Highveld-based trainer Candice Dawson has her yard in fine form at present and also has high-class types heading for upcoming major races. At the Vaal on Tuesday, it might also be another decent day with runners such as Banha Bay and Lonely As A Cloud boasting strong form.
Banha Bridge has been a great stalwart for the yard having won seven races from his 57 starts to date and the gelded son of Flower Alley has been a thrill a minute for his owners winning over distances ranging from 1450m to 2400m.
Banha Bridge has not risen in the ranks of stayers, but he has been running well over 2400m, the distance over which he races in Race 4, a MR 75 Handicap. He has not finished far off the likes of Royal Mazarin and prolific mare Teo Torriate while giving both weight.
A steady drop in his merit rating could give the nine-year-old the boost he needs and he might just enjoy the fight in a race with runner who don’t boast credentials as strong as his.
Sky Pillar Rock is maturing and gives the impression he will stay, so he must be included in Swingers and Trifectas along with Arlington Action, who did win easily last time even though it was in a lower grade.
Lonely As A Cloud could come in for big betting support. He was one of the faster finishers in his last race where he was lifted to MR 84 company and ran a very decent race. He was beaten only 3.50 lengths by useful Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained sprinter Roaming Spirit and he did that while suffering a cut in running.
The What A Winter gelding takes a sizable drop in class from that race, he now runs in a MR 66 Handicap facing a field low on quality with only two runners, namely In The Ether and maiden Lady Limoncello, having placed recently.
A rank outsider to watch out for could be Oriental Bouquet who might hold the record for a merit rating depreciation. She has dropped from a lofty 99 to a rating of 51 and has had plenty of chances to show form but interestingly this is the first time she will be fitted with blinkers and could suddenly spring to life.
Earlier in the day Slender Silhouette (Race 1), Master’s Lady (Race 2) and Wayne (Race 3) rate as strong form choices. They are sure to attract favourite players and could also be worth coupling in All-To-Come bets.
Clive Robinson
