Today’s Vaal ten-race card is headlined by the weather delayed R500 000 Grand Heritage – an acid test for punters in what should be a tough Pick 6.
See the Hollywoodbets betting here
The 1475m feature sees a mixed bag of horses, including ten from the rampant Sean Tarry yard and sadly the delays have seen the three raiders withdrawn.
But it is trainer Mike de Kock’s Rock Of Gibraltar gelding Fired Up, a winner of his last two starts who looks to be spot on
A winner of 3 of 7 starts, the top trainer was bullish after the 4yo’s last victory on 12 November.
De Kock’s Fire Away – a big runner (Pic – JC Photos)
“This was a good win – he’s always shown us some ability. He’s on the up and the Vaal’s Grand Heritage looks like the right race for him. He likes things his own way, he’s a big, galloping horse and needs room to stride,” said De Kock.
Trainer Sean Tarry has a power hand headed by joint topweight Social Order – a tricky customer on his day, but a gelding who has to be better than his litany of near misses suggest.
Social Order last tasted success in the Kings Cup in March 2018 and was also placed next time in the Colorado King Stakes and the Jubilee Handicap. He ran well behind Tierra Del Fuego last time at this track over 75m shorter and could prove some value with Gavin Lerena in the irons.
The Ashaawes mare Aurelia Cotta, another Tarry runner, has won two on the trot and on her best form to the likes of Summer Cup placer Queen Supreme must have a serious place chance.
Tarrys Curved Ball colt Against The Grain is the SP value bet – despite an lack of recent form.
The stable’s 4yo’s Royal Italian and Cordillera would both need to up their game to have a say in the finish.
Dan The Lad – always dangerous (Pic – JC Photos)
Dan The Lad is a hardknocking 6yo and a gutsy winner of the Heritage Match Race in 2018 when beating Tsitsikamma Dance over Saturday’s course and distance. He recently registered his sixth career victory and comes in with a handy galloping weight.
The in-form Piere Strydom pilots the capable 4yo Captain Of Tortuga, one of two runners from the Azzie family yard. The son of Captain Al appeared to go wrong on July day but had really smart form around this trip prior to that. He needed his last start behind Hawwaam.
One of a trio from the Paul Peter yard, the smart 3yo Riverstown ran a cracking third just over a length off Frosted Gold in the Graham Beck Stakes – the latter endorsed the form with a smart second behind shock winner Shango in Saturday’s Dingaans.
Candice Dawson’s gelded pair of Epic Dream and the year older D’Arrivee are both capable on their day. Epic Dream looks quite nicely in with 52kgs and he gets the blinkers fitted. Denis Schwarz will be a big asset after his Super Saturday!
Please note that apprentice Cole Dicken is not riding today.
The false rail is set at zero.
The going is good and the pen reading is 21.
First-timer / Rested horses comments
1 12:05 – WSB R10000 1ST DEPOSIT MATCH WORKRIDERS MAIDEN PLATE (F & M)
1 HIGHTAIL C E Erasmus: Will need the run
10 BAYEDI C E Erasmus: Will need the run
11 COUNTESSOFCOULTER T Zackey: Will need the experience
12 ELLA BEAN T Zackey: Will need the experience
13 ENCRYPTION A B Fortune: No comment given
15 JUSTALANA T Spies: Will still be green
2 12:40 – WSB BET WITH THE BEST MAIDEN PLATE
13 MR TURBULENCE C I Jonker: Will need further
15 SHENANDOAH RIVER G V Woodruff: Nice colt but maybe to short for him
17 SPRING RAIN C Binda: Will need the run
20 ZOMBIE C Spies: Should be green. Will need further
3 13:10 – WSB LEADERS IN LOCAL RACING MAIDEN PLATE
14 TEMPLE OF REASON T Zackey: Will need the experience
5 14:10 – WSB SIGN UP NOW AT WSB.CO.ZA MR 88 HANDICAP
10 DON CHRISTO S W Kenny: No comment given
10 17:25 – WSB THANK U FOR JOINING US MAIDEN PLATE
4 BROTHERHOOD S G Tarry: Improvement expected after rest and gelding
17 CUSTOM MADE S J Gray: No comment given
19 MAROUN’S PENNY S J Gray: No comment given
- Comments by Phumelela Publishing
