Sunday’s nine-race Inside track meeting at Turffontein shapes as a jockeys’ showcase, with Calvin Habib, Callan Murray and Craig Zackey all armed with strong books of rides. The trio look set to split the card, each with realistic chances of riding at least a double – making this the type of meeting where punter confidence in jockey momentum is well placed.
Habib should strike early. In Race 1 (1000m), Rockabilly stands out after a sharp Vaal debut second and should improve enough to win. In Race 2 (1000m), Master’s Lady can bounce back after her saddle slipped last time. Previously consistent, she looks well placed to turn the tables in this company.
Murray’s big chances arrive mid-card. In Race 4 (1000m), he resumes his unbeaten partnership with Constellation, who returned with a promising seasonal second and should come on from that. His other key mount is Monkey Puzzle in Race 7 (1450m), a horse thriving since moving to the Highveld. After three consecutive seconds, he won with authority last time and now makes a well-timed handicap debut over a suitable trip.
Zackey, the log-leader, closes the show with a strong late-card hand. In Race 6 (1600m), he reunites with Frere Jacques, who wasn’t disgraced in a stronger handicap and now drops slightly in class. The promising Sean Tarry pair, Speedman (Race 7) and Grand Empire (Race 9), give him further ammunition. Both were impressive debut winners, with Grand Empire looking particularly progressive and well placed to follow up.
It’s a competitive but readable card – the kind where strong jockey bookings often translate into returns. Habib early, Murray mid-card, Zackey late looks the rhythm to follow.
