The Syndicate has a few runners to look forward to this week. On Monday we have Honest Prince attempting to go back to back in Kimberley. On Tuesday at the Vaal, we have Winter Twilight who is knocking on the door for his maiden win and Captain’s Legacy looks for improvement. Then to close off our midweek runners, Jerry The Juggler looks a huge runner in the Greyville opener followed by Mocha Rose in the last, who will have a decent chance at finding the winners box again.
MONDAY 8th APRIL 2019
FLAMINGO PARK
Race 5 – 14:35
1600m – MR 62 Handicap
4 – Honest Prince
Trainer: Cliffie Miller
Jockey: M. Thackeray
Wgt: 56.0kg
Draw: 15(15)
Current Betting: 3/1
He was a surprise winner last time out, but clearly enjoyed the step up in trip to the 1800m. He drops back to the mile here and has a tricky draw to overcome, but that shouldn’t be of major concern as he likes to come from off the pace. He has been working well leading up to this run and we can expect another big showing from him. We give him a good each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Hefty penalty but seemed to relish test of stamina in recent win.
TUESDAY 9th APRIL 2019
VAAL CLASSIC COURSE
Race 1 – 13:05
1000m – Maiden Plate
3 – Winter Twilight
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-2.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 9(14)
Predicted Betting: 4/1
He returns to the Vaal after two decent outings in KZN and will look to go very close to winning this moderate maiden. He has been going the right way since those blinkers were fitted and with the in-form apprentice back up for this run, he will certainly benefit from the 2.5kg claim. We give him a good each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Big runner on good latest this trip.
Race 2 – 13:40
1000m – Maiden Plate
3 – Captain’s Legacy
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-2.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 8(12)
Predicted Betting: 14/1
She was slow away and completely outpaced in that last start over 1200m and will have to make some improvement quickly. The young apprentice takes the ride and claims 2.5kg’s and we will be expecting him to take her up to a much more handy position if she jumps on terms. We are hoping for vast improvement on her first two starts in the province, before we can tip her confidently.
Winning Form Comment: Carded to race: 04.04.2019.
WEDNESDAY 10th APRIL 2019
GREYVILLE POLY TRACK
Race 1 – 12:10
1000m – Maiden Plate
5 – Jerry The Juggler
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Lyle Hewitson
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 1(8)
Predicted Betting: 16/10
Put up a solid debut when finding traffic issues late on. He has strengthened up nicely since then and followed up that effort with some good work at home. Lyle Hewitson retains the ride and on his first run, he should relish the drop to the 1000m from pole position. We make him the one to beat.
Winning Form Comment: Fair debut, expect progress from pole.
Race 9 – 16:40
1600m – MR 68 Handicap
3 – Mocha Rose
Trainer: Duncan Howells
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Wgt: 58.5kg
Draw: 4(16)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
A gutsy winner last time out, she steps up slightly in class and in trip today. She has drawn well once again and hasn’t been hammered by the handicapper for winning last time out, both significant positives to boost her chances here. She obviously faces tougher opposition, but we expect her to run another honest race and she can go close.
Winning Form Comment: Escaped with minimum penalty, steps up in trip but can follow up.