With the going posted as ‘good to soft’ and a 70% chance of rain today, there may well be more exciting options on the Valentine’s Day menu than spending this afternoon at the Vaal.
Ed – this meeting has been abandoned
But it’s a tricky nine-race card that could produce healthy dividends and it is headed by the non black-type 3yo Egoli Mile, where former Snaith runner Captain Of Tortuga could be the marker.
The impeccably bred Captain Of Tortuga, a R4,5 million yearling by a Cape Guineas winner (Captain Al) out of a Cape Fillies Guineas winner (Ebony Flyer), could enjoy the mile and he has come good after failing to win his maiden in four Cape runs.
Ormond Ferraris saddles Captain Of Tortuga (photo: JC Photograpics)
Ormond Ferraris got him to win first time out in Gauteng and three places followed. It is worrying that he is reported to have made respiratory noises at times, but looks to be finding his feet.
The Mike de Kock-trained course and distance winner Protea Paradise could be his biggest danger as he drops back to the mile. The son of Dynasty will be ridden by Gavin Lerena.
The first race is off at 12h10 with the Bipot getting the exotics ball rolling in the second at 12h40.
The false rail is set at 5m on the back straight and bend with a 5m spur at the 600m mark. It is set at zero from the 1600m outside rail to the pull up area.
With racing under pressure all round, it is disappointing to see the proliferation of ‘no comments’ from so many trainers on the rested and first-timer comments list.
The trainers that do make the effort are to be lauded – and we will continue to lobby for legislation in this regard as the ball remains in the racing operator’s court.
First-timer/rested horses comments:
1 12:10 – ITSARUSH.CO.ZA WELCOMES YOU MAIDEN JUVENILE PLATE
2 AL BORAK M/A Azzie: Very green and will need the run
4 BARTHOLOMEUS S Botha: Will need the experience
5 CREATION A G Laird: Place chance
7 FREE DEAL P F Matchett: Will need the run
8 GROBAN D Steyn: No comment given
9 ILLUSION S M Ferreira: No comment given
10 OYSTER KING C I Jonker: Will need further
11 POTALAS PRINCE S J Lerena: Looking for further
13 SYX SHOOTER C Binda: No comment given
16 GET SET B D Botes: No comment given
2 12:40 – PLAY SOCCER 6, 10 AND 13 WORKRIDERS MAIDEN PLATE
9 NEST RAIDER S J Gray: No comment given
10 THE ICE WAR M N Houdalakis: No comment given
13 SWEET TAFIA H E Adamson: Nice filly, might just need the experience
3 13:10 – TAB PAYS THE FULL DIVIDEND, NO LIMITS ASSESSMENT PLATE
4 WITCH OF THE WEST M N Houdalakis: No comment given
5 14:10 – BOOK FOR CLASSIC DAY 0116811508 MR 74 HANDICAP
1 BOATSWAIN (AUS) R R Sage: No comment given
8 16:15 – INTERBET.CO.ZA 0861 150 160 MR 66 HANDICAP
9 EMERITO R R Magner: First run as a gelding but will probably need a bit further
20 QUEENIE A Nassif: Will need the run
9 16:55 – NEXT VAAL RACEMEETING TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY MR 65 HANDICAP
13 WHAT A STORY S M Ferreira: No comment given
18 GOOD EMPEROR C Binda: No comment given
Thanks to Phumelela Publishing
