Oct 23 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis

Race 1 (2,400m)

(2) HEROIC ACT is overdue for a maiden win and his experience over this distance should stand him in good stead.

(3) ITSNOWORNEVER and (1) EUPHRATES venture into the unknown going this extended trip, but both have shown enough to be competitive if seeing out the extra.

(9) SILENT FUTURE fits a similar profile and could fight out the minors.

Race 2 (2,000m)

Many with chances in a big field.

The value could lie with (4) INSTANT ATTRACTION, who finished a game second over 1,800m after a break. She ought to have tightened up since and could go one better.

Lightly raced (5) MAJALUNacquitted himself well on his handicap debut over 2,400m and should have more to offer, especially from an inside draw.

Hard-knockers (6) FLAG BEARER and (9) VAVA VEGAS have the form and experience to have a say in the outcome.

Race 3 (1,600m)

The improving (13) BELLEROPHON justified prohibitive odds with a runaway maiden success over 1,500m. He should have more to offer over this extended trip.

(3) JORDAN returns from a four-month break, but he can keep the selection honest.

(10) UNSOLVED RIDDLE has the form and fitness edge over his rivals. He can acquit himself well.

(8) WARHAWK BOMBER also returns from a two-month absence. With a last-start second over the same trip, he could be a danger.

Race 4 (1,450m)

The unbeaten filly (4) STORMY DAY has a big reputation and justified cramped odds in both outings. She beat the boys last time in a sprint on Sept 28 after a two-month break, and can improve over this extended trip against female oppositions. It could pay to follow her progress.

The best-weighted (1) WORLD OF ALICE is versatile and runs well fresh, so she has to be respected on her reappearance with blinkers re-fitted.

(6) TINA LOVELACE and (3) ELEGANTRIX both finished second at Grade 1 level during their juvenile campaign and have scope for further progress.

Race 5 (1,450m)

Three-year-old gelding (9) NEVER NEVER LAND looks a big chance. He confirmed the promise of his 1,200m debut second with a going-away maiden win over 1,400m, and this slightly longer trip should be more to his liking.

Also, he carries 5kg less than (1) PALACE PRINCE, who disappointed to finish sixth when stretching out to 1,600m last time, but he could make amends back over this shorter trip.

Last-start winner (7) PRINCE OF KILDARE remains competitive and should play a role.

(4) BLOOMINGTON completes the shortlist.

Race 6 (1,200m)

Stablemates (8) PIVOTAL ROLE and (2) BANYAN have shown promise in their two outings over 1,000m, and both are open to improvement over the extra 200m, though preference is for the latter to be under just 49.5kg.

Debut scorer (5) ICE DRAGONcould be anything. With natural improvement, he should make his presence felt.

(3) MISTER WILSON has scope for progress, so he should not be underestimated.

Race 7 (1,000m)

(4) MYSTICAL MISS and (7) CLAIRWOOD ROSEhave a fitness edge on their rivals and more scope for improvement, so they could fight out the finish.

(1) CHROME TOURMALINE has not been seen since finishing less than 5 lengths off the winner in a Grade 1 sprint during the winter, but she has the class to have a say in the outcome if ready to roll on after a 145-day absence.

Returning (8) JAZZ PIANIST is also to be respected on her reappearance after a last-start maiden win.

Race 8 (1,000m)

(3) QUEEN'S PACT finished ahead of (2) PARADISE WAY over this distance at a higher level last time. The former should confirm her superiority on these terms, with the benefit of her rider's 4kg apprentice allowance.

(6) SHE'S ALL MINE has found her niche on the Highveld racing in sprints and could be ahead of the handicapper, even under a further seven-point penalty.

Topweight (1) RAINING RUBIES should be competitive too with her drop in class.