Bettors looking for an edge to the Tuesday 22 September nine-race Vaal meeting could do worse than keeping three jockeys firmly on the shortlist.
Muzi Yeni, Kabelo Matsunyane and Gavin Lerena each have realistic opportunities to land doubles, and their mounts could prove pivotal to the day’s betting permutations.
Yeni could strike first aboard Fanie Bronkhorst-trained Piteraq in Race 2 over 1200m. The four-year-old daughter of Hawwaam made an encouraging Highveld debut over 1000m, finishing strongly in her first start since relocating from James Crawford’s Cape Town base.
The extra 200m looks well within her compass, and even modest improvement should put her firmly into the winning picture. She is taken to open her account and get Yeni’s day off to a flying start.
Matsunyane could strike back in the next race aboard Tony Peter-trained Winter Rainfall over 1400m. The daughter of What A Winter has made two respectable appearances for the yard since leaving Candice Bass’ KZN satellite stable in mid-May. Her latest fourth in a minor feature over 1200m was more than respectable, and she now returns to peak fitness off a reduced mark. That makes the six-year-old mare the value play in a race where Matsunyane could make an early move.
Yeni, though, has another strong chance in Race 4 when he partners three-year-old Be The One for Paul Matchett over 1600m. There is little convincing form to recommend in this maiden event, but the daughter of Futura brings a solid recent effort to the table after finishing second over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside track.
The additional 150m in the opening leg of the Pick 6 should present no obstacle and Be The One does not need to improve to go one better. A double for Yeni looks firmly on the cards.
Lerena’s first blow could come in Race 5 aboard One Eye On Dubai, a three-year-old Almanzor colt trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock. He confirmed the promise of his 1200m debut fourth by finishing second over 1700m at this venue just 12 days ago.
The further 300m should bring another step forward, and with Lerena in the saddle, One Eye On Dubai has all the ingredients to go one better.
Matsunyane’s second opportunity comes in Race 6 on Bellerophon, and this impressive last-start winner looks a compelling follow-up candidate over 2800m. The four-year-old Vercingetorix gelding was authoritative under 61kg last time and now carries just 51kg despite a five-point rise in the ratings.
That looks unlikely to stop his momentum, particularly as he is unbeaten over this course and distance. Matsunyane could have another winner in the book.
Lerena rounds off his strongest claims in Race 8 aboard Tony Peter-trained Vibe SA over 1200m. The six-year-old son of Just As Well boasts an appealing record over this course and distance, with two wins and two placings from five starts.
He has maintained his consistency since scoring over 1160m on Turffontein’s Standside track four starts ago and remains capable of running a big race off his current mark.
Clive Robinson
