While the major stables are expected to dominate Thursday’s nine-race Vaal meeting, trainer Phillip Labuschagne could enjoy a standout afternoon with two runners offering strong value for punters.
His first notable chance comes in Race 3 with Captain Cooper, a juvenile who has shown enough ability to suggest a maiden win is close. The son of Erik The Red chased home the winner on debut over 1200m and later produced another encouraging fourth over the same trip. His latest effort is best ignored after he kicked the gates and jumped awkwardly, compromising his chances from the start. In a race likely to focus on High Fidelity and Raptor King, Captain Cooper appeals as an attractive outsider capable of outrunning his odds.
The powerful Mike and Mathew de Kock stable could then take control of proceedings with strong prospects in the next two races.
In Race 4, Bristol Hercules looks the runner to beat. The Lancaster Bomber gelding returned from a break with an impressive victory over 1400m despite carrying 61.5kg. He returns to the same course and distance carrying a much lighter weight and remains unbeaten under these conditions. With natural improvement expected from that comeback run, he holds strong claims despite facing quality opposition from Mastership, Quickfreeze, and Wayne. His proven course record and current fitness make him a key contender and a solid exotic-race banker.
The De Kock team can complete a double in Race 5 with the progressive Green Machine. The son of Gimmethegreenlight has improved steadily as distances have increased, following a convincing maiden victory over 2000m with a determined handicap success over 2400m. Although he rises four rating points, his latest performance suggested there is still more improvement to come. If he continues on that upward trajectory, a hat-trick of wins is well within reach.
Labuschagne’s second major opportunity comes in the lucky last with Pompeii Shield. The lightly raced son of William Longsword was far from disgraced when finishing fourth over 1800m on his first run against winners. Dropping slightly in both class and distance should suit, and with only nine career starts, further progress is likely. The booking of talented apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson, whose weight allowance is an added advantage, strengthens his appeal.
While Bristol Hercules and Green Machine look the strongest winning prospects on the card, value-seeking punters may find greater reward by keeping a close eye on Captain Cooper and Pompeii Shield from the Labuschagne stable.
Clive Robinson
