The Vaal hosts an intriguing eight-race programme on Thursday, with several progressive horses looking set to continue their rise, while trainer Sean Tarry and jockeys Keagan de Melo and Mickaëlle Michel hold strong chances of doubles.
Race 1 could offer value with Corsaro Super in the 1000m juvenile contest. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained son of Erupt has yet to show his true ability, but there were excuses for both previous starts. Significantly, De Melo keeps the ride after a 13-week break, suggesting confidence the colt can improve sharply in an open race.
The in-form Stuart Pettigrew stable looks well represented in Race 2 with Midnight Special. The Fire Away filly made an encouraging debut when runner-up and is expected to improve with the experience. Craig Zackey retains the ride, and she rates one of the stronger bets on the card.
Bristol Hercules is the standout in Race 4 over 1600m as he bids to complete a hat-trick. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained gelding has returned from a break in excellent form, winning consecutive 1400m races at the Vaal, including his latest under a penalty against stronger opposition. Although carrying 62kg after another ratings increase, he drops in class and the step up to 1600m should suit. By Lancaster Bomber, he has been finishing strongly and looks capable of extending his winning streak under Callan Murray.
Another Lancaster Bomber runner to follow is Warning Sound in Race 6. The Sean Tarry-trained filly produced a career-best performance when winning over 1450m at Turffontein’s Inside track off a career-high rating. A four-point penalty makes life tougher, but she remains lightly raced and still has scope for improvement. French rider Mickaëlle Michel keeps the partnership, and her 1.5kg allowance could prove valuable.
Tarry’s strongest chance may come in Race 7 with Greenandgold. The R2.6-million National Yearling Sale purchase has steadily improved with each run and relished the step up to 1400m when making all to win her maiden in convincing fashion. The 73-day break should have helped her strengthen, while an opening handicap mark of 75 appears fair for a filly with her pedigree and potential. If she progresses again, Greenandgold can complete a profitable stable double for Tarry and De Melo.
