The Highveld midweek double-header opens at the Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday 24 February, and punters would do well to keep two stables front of mind – Alson Ndzilana and Tony Peter. Between them, they hold a vice-like grip on an eight-race Classic track card bristling with betting opportunities.
Ndzilana, who schooled under masters Mike de Kock and Joey Ramsden, has been quietly building momentum and his juveniles look ready to cash in again. He made headlines when winning with his first two-year-old runner back in December 2023 – no small feat – and Race 3, a 1450m Maiden Juvenile Plate sets up as another statement.
He saddles four runners and should dominate. Nightshine, a Rafeef colt with two runner-up finishes, has done little wrong in sprint company and shapes as though the extended trip will unlock the improvement needed to win.
He’s marginally preferred to Heavenly Blue colt Dear Doc whose third-place finishes in both starts have given every indication that the step up in trip is what he’s been crying out for. Stablemate Ehhfifteenkjoe, twice fourth and by Declarationofpeace, isn’t far behind and can easily round out a stable Trifecta.
The stable’s momentum should not stop there, as Blood Of Eden can atone in Race 4 over 2000m. She fluffed her lines with blinkers over 1600m last time but the headgear comes off and the extra 400m looks a plus.
Her previous narrow defeat over 1800m on this track reads well, and under Muzi Yeni she has the profile of a filly able to settle, stay the trip and strike late. At the right price, she’s a confident inclusion in all bets.
Then there’s Vixeninthevineyard (Race 5) who has been knocking loudly at the door of a maiden career victory. Three consecutive seconds, two of them over this very course and distance, tell you she’s primed. The booking of S’manga Khumalo catches the eye and suggests intent. She won’t get many better chances to shed the maiden tag and can anchor the third and final leg of the Pick 3 if Ndzilana’s earlier runners deliver.
Tony Peter, though, is unlikely to wait around. He can strike in the opener with Mrs Stormiatrix over 1000m. The Vercingetorix filly finished second over this course and distance last time, her best Highveld effort since relocating from Candice Bass’ KwaZulu-Natal base.
With natural improvement in her peak outing, Mrs Stormiatrix should go one better under work rider Phenisile Mongqawa.
Precocious looks the banker for Peter in Race 7. This Ideal World filly has thrived since joining his Turffontein base, winning both Highveld starts with authority. Her handicap debut win over this 1000m strip was particularly taking, and apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson’s 4kg claim once again makes her dangerously well weighted.
She’s unbeaten in the province and there’s every chance that record remains intact. Straight bets and rolling exotics should revolve around her.
Rafa Bay in Race 6 may need to reverse form with Mover And Shaker, but consistency counts for plenty in these sprints. With Kabelo Matsunyane aboard for the first time, he’s no forlorn hope and can reward each-way players if the favourite stubs a toe.
Clive Robinson
