Oct 14 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Curtiss Condor to bounce back to his best second-up
Race 1 (1,200m)
A weak race.
(6) MATTS ROCKET showed improvement last time and could keep rolling.
(1) LILAC SNOW has struggled without success to get out of the maiden ranks but has a chance in a race like this.
(3) LASTING LOOKS has some fair form and can contest the finish.
(4) AMAZE ME is unreliable but can get into the mix of things when in the right mood.
Race 2 (1,200m)
Trainer Sean Tarry has his runners in good order.
(8) GOLDEN OPERATOR returns from a break but could be a bit better than these rivals.
(9) POWER OF PEARLS is knocking on the door. She finished third over 1,000m last time and should be right there at the finish again. Do not underestimate.
(6) BOOM TOWN was not disgraced on debut and should have more to offer.
(1) REAL STUNNER can improve and should contest the finish.
Race 3 (1,800m)
(10) COUNCILLOR was not disgraced on her debut. Stepping up in distance looks the right thing for her, and she should go close to winning. She will have to get past the consistent (4) ETHICAL. This Heavenly Blue filly is holding her form and threatening to open her account.
(1) ASIAH'S TIARA is usually not far behind the winner at the finish, and she might just crack it one of these days.
(5) Sapphire Sun has not been too far off in recent starts. Keep an eye on her.
Race 4 (1,000m)
(1) BJORN IRONSIDE is fit and in good form. The addition of blinkers looks a good option. He can follow up and score again.
(4) RONDEBOSCH returns from a break, but he is talented and should fight out the finish.
(2) WAR OF KINGDOMS returns from a break and could be well above his rating.
(5) AFRICAN PRIDE has a tough task at this weight, but he has scope for improvement.
Race 5 (2,000m)
(6) CURTISS CONDOR needed the run last time after a two-month break, but he could bounce back and win over this distance.
(2) AMERICAN REBEL is holding form and clearly not out with a 4kg-claiming apprentice riding.
(5) EIGER SANCTION is capable of getting involved with the finish when in the right mood.
(9) TITANS OF WAR showed improvement and would not be a surprise winner.
Race 6 (1,500m)
Trainer St John Gray has a decent hand in this race.
(4) ACROSS THE POND is in good form and gets a narrow vote to score.
Stable companion (3) TWOSTEP QUEEN reminded us what she is capable of with a good win last time and could follow up.
(2) CEUTA needed her last run and will be a threat to these rivals.
(8) WARNING SOUND did not show her best last time but is not out of it either.
Race 7 (1,500m)
(3) MAMLAMBO is clearly progressing and there was something to like about both her wins. She can complete a hat-trick.
(9) HAZY DAZY improved to win her second start and can follow up with likely improvement.
(10) FAIR PROPOSAL and (8) CAPE SAFFRON have some fair recent form and should contest the finish.
Race 8 (2,400m)
Probably the most open race on this card, and we may have to load this leg for the exotics.
(9) CARTAGENA showed improvement when third over the 2,000m last time. She could be ready to score.
(1) ROMEO'S MAGIC and (2) ROYAL MAZARIN both remain in good shape and could get involved with the finish.
(3) TRIDENT KING lacks extra right at the end of the race, but he is capable of earning some more money.