The Listed Golden Loom Handicap runner-up Bad Boy Buddy Boy has let us down previously, but is given a gem of a chance to atone when he meets what looks like the right sort of opposition at the Vaal on Tuesday. The son of Captain Al is a genuine course and distance specialist, which fuels the confidence to empty the pockets.
Bad Boy Buddy Boy – should go very close
The day’s topliner, an MR 96 Handicap over the minimum trip, looks tailor-made for Bad Boy Buddy Boy to snap up a well deserved fifth career victory form just eleven starts.
He only faces seven opponents…
And beyond Louis Goosen’s Varbration and De Kock’s decent-on-his-day Tiger Territory, there looks little to trouble the Zaki & Zackey ATM.
Varbration was a touch outclassed last time
The trio last met in the Golden Loom, when Bad Boy Buddy Boy ran on best to be beaten 1,25 lengths by the improving Doing It For Dan, with Varbration marginally outclassed a further 1,65 lengths back – and with Tiger Territory 0,75 lengths behind him.
Bad Boy Buddy Boy goes up 3,5kgs, while Tiger Territory carries 3kgs more and Varbration the best off at 2kgs added.
The 7yo Vulcan returns to the minimum trip and there is not too much between him and our selection over an earlier course and distance clash. The younger Bad Boy Buddy Boy just looks stronger at this stage.
The lightly raced Captured Wind returns from a 40 week break, and if near fit must have a place shout at best.
Rafa won two good races in his last three starts over the course and distance but will find this company a lot hotter.
He was outgunned last time when finishing 6,50 lengths behind Wolverine.
Promising apprentice Diego De Gouveia claims 4kgs on the Zaki stablemate Jade Bay.
Talented. Dominic Zaki’s Jallad gelding Jade Bay returns from a rest
The now 6yo son of Jallad has not seen a racecourse since Emerald Cup day 2014. While he is very fast and capable, he should need it.
The Imperial Stride gelding Nice Stride has his third run for the Van Vuuren yard after moving from Leon Erasmus. He has shown nothing for a long time and gets the blinkers again – but looks to be making up the numbers.
Bad Boy Buddy Boy looks the right one on fitness and scope to continue to improve.
He is selected at the expense of Tiger Territory and Varbration.
