In form Calanish is drawn very wide.
MR94 Handicap over 1200m at Vaal (sand) on Tuesday
The highest purse on offer in midweek is that put aside for the winner of the MR94 Handicap at the Vaal’s sand track on Tuesday. Thirty one runners were initially nominated for the event, but with the size of the field being restricted only twelve will leave the stalls, writes Steve Furnish.
Heading the weights is the 2009 Emerald Cup winner Phunyuka. He’s gained five of his six career victories over today’s course and distance and he does race here off a mark nine points lower than that of his former best. This son of Slew The Red is now seven years old though and since that prestigious win he has only managed to find the winner’s enclosure once in twenty three starts. He has a bit to find on recent efforts, but he does now take a drop in class.
Gold Game
At first glance, Paul Matchett’s charge would seem to be badly out of form having finished no better than seventh in his last three starts. He was only five lengths off Furious Dancer in the listed Hampton Handicap here in his latest start though, and his two previous efforts were both on the turf. He’s already won twice at this circuit and although those victories were gained over 1000m, he has also been successful over today’s distance on turf.
Rabadash
Rarely out of the frame, Bradley Maroun’s charge has run close to some very useful sorts on turf. He’s more often than not seen out over further, but he has proven to be equally effective around today’s distance. His two previous runs on today’s surface are a cause for concern as he couldn’t finish better than fifth. Those efforts were both over 1000m though, and very early on in his career. Rabadash has a nice draw here and if ready after a break could surprise. The dark horse.
Forestation
Robbie Sage’s charge has shown his best form at the sharp Turffontein inner track where he’s gained all three of his wins. His most recent success was gained over further and this will be his first try on today’s surface. As with Rabadash though, he has done well around today’s distance and if taking to the surface must have a shout.
Strike Master
The 4yo Strike Master has been coming along very nicely since shedding his maiden tag over today’s distance on turf back in February and he does appear to be at his best on sand. He’s bumped two very useful sorts in Art Wish and Always Al in his most recent starts on the surface and he was running on stoutly when a runner up on turf in his latest outing last week. He should be right there.
Directorate
Another who will be making his debut on sand in today’s event, Directorate has more often than not been racing against stronger on turf. He’s been tried over various distances up to 2800m since shedding his maiden tag over 1200m on debut, but has only managed one further win in 27 outings. He would have a shout despite that if finding his best form, but he hasn’t drawn particularly well here.
Kalurooz Jet
The Jet Master gelding Kalurooz Jet has shown flashes of real ability, most notably when a runner up to the useful House Of Wax in August. That effort along with the best of his recent form was achieved over further, but he did win his maiden over 1200m and he did also run a very good second to the useful Captain’s Key over 1160m in December. His last two runs have been disappointing, but one is never quite sure what to expect when they try the sand for the first time.
Calanish
On current sand form, Stuart Pettigrew’s charge has to be a very serious runner here. He was only 2,5 lengths off the subsequent listed Emerald Fillies Handicap winner Follow The Piper in his penultimate start and he did bump a promising up and coming sort in Always Al last time out. The one negative is that he likes to race handy, and he has drawn wide here.
White Tie
A powerful front runner on his day, the 5yo White Tie goes particularly well on sand and setting off from gate four, he would be a threat if at his best. Since returning from a short break in July though, he’s failed to get within sixteen lengths of a winner and is perhaps best just watched for now.
Bownore
The 5yo Bownore has gained both of his career wins over today’s course and distance. Those successes have been few and far between though and it is over a year now since he graced the number one box. He’s been well below par in his most recent starts and on those efforts, he is not easy to fancy here.
Commissionerstreet
The 6yo Commissionerstreet has come to hand very nicely since returning from two very lengthy breaks in February. He’s won his last two outings on today’s surface and he did run on particularly well when beating Boss Cat over today’s course and distance last time out. He does now step up in class in his bid for the hat trick, but he is still very handily weighted on his earlier turf form.
Boss Cat
An ultra consistent sand performer, Boss Cat is sure to give of his best here. He’s 0,5kg better off at the weights here with Commissionerstreet for a half length beating and setting off from a much kinder draw, he could well turn the tables.
Gourmet Guru
Trainer Sean Tarry has successfully introduced a number of runners to the sand in recent months, and the first reserve Gourmet Guru would certainly be a factor if taking to the surface. He has drawn wide though, and returning from a five month break here, he will in all probability need the run.
Monseur Et Madame
Yet to win over a trip shorter than 1600m, the second reserve Monseur Et Madame has been beaten out of sight in his two starts over sprint distances since returning from a ten month layoff and cannot really be fancied.
About The Pace
The pace is usually on over today’s trip and with a number of candidates for the role of front runner that should certainly be the case again here. In a race where there are a number of dangerous new recruits, it is the proven sand horse Calanish who gets the vote. He is drawn very wide though and is by no means home and hosed. Go wide.
