Bank on Bureau and a Kitten

CARD: YENI BANKERS TWO OF HIS RIDES IN TURFFONTEIN PICK 6

Value could lie with Takagari in Race 4.

After all the rain we had last weekend, I must commend the remarkable state of the Turffontein track for the WSB Summer Cup meeting which took place on Tuesday.

As you all know the meeting was moved from its original slot on the Saturday due to massive lightning storms and heavy rain.

I would like to say well done to everyone concerned in getting the meeting to go ahead and although it was a tough day personally, it was a great meeting overall.

Flying Carpet was a surprise winner in the main event, where most of the main contenders didn’t fire at all.

Our filly, War Of Athena, ran a very decent race. She came from a fair way back and I think if the pace was stronger we would have finished closer.

I had a winner on the day with Secret Link, so I was happy with that, and I finished in the money in a few of the features so overall it wasn’t the worst day, but I was expecting a winner or two in those features.

Congrats to all the connections of the winning horses and, as mentioned, it was a great day to be part of and we will be back next year to try and win the Summer Cup.

The season now moves to Cape Town and I’m sure there will be some phenomenal racing ahead.

Desert Miracle takes her place today in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and in my opinion, she will take all the beating.

I will be travelling as much as I can, and I am hoping to get some fair support.

Now we move to today’s Turffontein card run on the Standside track and we have 10 races to preview.

I have nine rides on the day, and some with decent chances.

Race 1 is a Work Riders Maiden Plate over 1000m and I think Tracy’s Princess will take all the beating if she is close to peak fitness after a break.

She is having her first run for the Paul Peter stable, and this isn’t the strongest of fields. The word about her first time out was that she was very decent.

Covert Operator and Fulliautomatix are her main dangers and must be respected.

Race 2 is a MR 104 Handicap over 2000m and I ride Marchingontogether who won the Racing Association Handicap over 3200m on Tuesday.

I’m sure, if Mr Gray decides to run him, he will run well but we all have Infinite Wonder to beat. The form of his last run was franked in no uncertain terms with Safe Passage going on to win the Dingaans.

This makes him a very difficult horse to oppose.

Willow’s Wish comes out the same form line so rates the obvious and main danger.

Race 3 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m and I ride Dancing Dora who has run two decent races.

My biggest concern is the distance could be on the sharp side but I’m still expecting a good run.

Young Jackie and Bethany both have winning chances and must be included in all bets.

Watch the betting support for any of the unraced runners as that is likely to be your best guide to their chances.

Race 4 is a Maiden Plate over 1600m and I ride Takagari. He is a nice horse and I give him a big chance.

His comeback run was good, and he has improved from that run so I’m expecting him to be in the money.

Wildeye is probably the horse to beat while Indus Knight and Flashy Apache also have claims. They must be respected and included in all bets.

Race 5 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m and I make it as race in two between my ride, Sun Bird, who ran an absolute cracker on debut, and Courante, who has finished a close second in her last two starts and is drawn in pole position.

There won’t be much between them and they should get you through all your bets. But I’m hoping and expecting my filly to get to the post first.

Race 6 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 2000m and I ride Stunning Kitten who I believe is the best bet on the card.

She is consistent, and although I expected her to have won by now, this is her best opportunity and I’ll be very disappointed if she doesn’t win this time.

Arizona Lady and Tuuletar have chances and rate as my main opposition.

Race 7 is a MR 72 Handicap over 2000m and I ride Call Me Master.

Once again, I have leading claims. He ran a lovely race last time and his work has been good so I’m expecting another big run from him.

My stable companion, Kool Baikal, is a danger and is in good form while Code Zero, Madabout Fashion and Jaipur Jewel are others to consider.

Race 8 is a MR 86 Handicap over 2000m and I ride Romeo’s Magic who is having his first start for the Brett Warren stable. We are still learning about him and I’m sure he will improve with the run.

Overall, this is a wide-open race with many horses having winning claims so I would go as wide as the budget will allow.

Platinum Sky is my marginal first choice. He should continue to improve and looks a decent horse.

Juan Carlos, Raiseahallelujah, Twin Turbo and Supreme Dance must all be included.

Race 9 is a MR 92 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m. I ride very promising Bureau Des Legende and I’ll be very surprised if she doesn’t win.

She is well above average, she continues to improve and this is another perfect step-up to keep her winning run going.

In my opinion I think she is a banker in all bets.

If you are looking to go a little wider Just Fabulous could be the danger. She clearly didn’t enjoy the Vaal straight and she is above average.

Race 10 is a MR 73 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m and I ride Amazon Orchid who has been disappointing since winning her maiden. I’m hoping for an improved effort but I can’t give you any confidence.

My first selection is Emerald Princess who ran a lovely race after her maiden win and a rest.

Damova is her danger after a good maiden win where the form has been franked while Halloween and Trump My Queen are others with big chances.

All should be included.

BEST BET

Race 6 No 2 Stunning Kitten

VALUE BET

Race 4 No 1 Takagari

PICK 6

R660

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Leg 2: 5, 12

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Leg 5: 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

Leg 6: 5