Punters seeking a profitable Sunday on the Highveld should look to Turffontein’s Inside track on 16 August, where trainer Paul Matchett and jockey Kabelo Matsunyane hold several of the better betting aces.
The eight-race programme offers plenty of wagering opportunities, with Matsunyane an attractive each-way proposition in the opener aboard Reece’s Wish over 1600m. The Candice and Tammy Dawson-trained daughter of Vercingetorix arrives in compelling form, having finished outside the first two only once in seven starts and winning twice.
She comes off a smart 1450m success on the Vaal Classic track. A resultant five-point penalty makes this tougher, while the rise in class against male opposition are obvious negatives. Nevertheless, she remains open to improvement and, with just 52kg to shoulder, is exceptionally well treated from a weight perspective.
Reece’s Wish could therefore represent the value against likely favourite Calla Lagoon. The Stuart Pettigrew-trained British import has respectable credentials, having won once and placed three times from six starts in Britain, including a runner-up finish in a Listed race at Pontefract.
However, Calla Lagoon returns from a lengthy layoff and must overcome the effects of international travel. Reece’s Wish, by contrast, arrives race-fit, progressive and attractively weighted.
Matchett’s first major chance comes in Race 3 over 1200m with Mocha Magic, who returns after an encouraging debut over this course and distance. The Rafeef colt showed considerable promise when finishing third despite an alarming market drift, and the booking of Craig Zackey is particularly noteworthy. The reigning champion jockey retains the ride, indicating that Mocha Magic has continued to please the Matchett stable. He should be sharper for that initial experience and looks capable of making a winning return.
Matchett has another interesting runner in Race 4 over 1200m when Elusive Dragon drops back to maiden company. She was hopelessly outclassed in Grade 2 company over this trip at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but this represents a substantial reduction in class. Philasande Mxoli is reunited with the filly and, judged on earlier form, she has enough ability to make a significant impact.
Matsunyane and Tony Peter have developed into a potent partnership, and Star Magnolia could provide another winner in Race 8 over 1200m.
The Danon Platina filly has taken significant strides since equipment changes were introduced. She improved with earmuffs when runner-up before going one better with pacifiers added, opening her account in a Work Riders’ maiden last time.
Her handicap debut is tougher, particularly against male opposition, but she remains lightly raced with plenty of scope for improvement. The rise in class is a concern, but underestimating a filly getting better with every start could prove costly.
Star Magnolia could complete a potentially lucrative Matsunyane double.
Clive Robinson
