Eight races are carded at the Vaal this afternoon.
JP van der Merwe has seven rides booked with a couple of decent winning chances. He may be the jockey worth following and the first is due off at 12h00.
JP van der Metwe – riding well
Pinch Hit from the Fanie Bronkhorst yard takes his place in Race 3 and he looks to be the best bet on the card.
He caught the eye on debut over this distance on the Classic course. The manner in which he stayed on at the finish was encouraging. The son of William Longsword would have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, he should take a power of beating.
Trainer St John Gray saddles Wondering Star in Race 7. He has not finished too far off the winner in recent outings. The manner in which he stayed on over 1600m last time suggests that he will be at home over 2000m.
His last victory came under Smanga Khumalo and from a handy draw of five, he may be the one to side with.
| Weather | Sunny 0-16 deg, 20km/h South Westerly Cross wind, Sunset 17:23 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | Last 24 Hours: Nil | Last 7 Days: Nil | |
| Irrigation | Last 24 Hours: Nil | Last 7 Days: Nil | |
| Penetrometer Reading | 22 | ||
| Track Condition | GOOD | ||
| False Rail | 3m back straight 3.5m bend with 4m spur at 700m mark. | ||
- The Bipot starts in the first at 12h00
- The Place Accumulator starts in the second at 12h35
- The Pick 6 starts in the third at 13h15
- Jackpot 1 starts in the fourth race at 13h50
- Jackpot 2 starts in the fifth race at 14h25
