Vaal Thursday

Englander wrote: A rare look and a nibble or two...

R5 Slight preference for Off The Mark, slow away lto when returning from 27 weeks off, historically 2nd run after a rest seems to have brought improvement rather than suffering from the "syndrome. Draw 2 a bigger concern but a relatively small field.

R6 For value, I am chancing Pied Piperess e/w. Not that clear but seemed from about 300 out lto she had no real opening until the race was done, was running on nicely when seeing space but that was against beaten horses. Possibly worth noting that she finished 3.25l behind Timedtoperfection that day but in their previous meeting just 18 days earlier PP had beaten that same horse by 3l over the same c/d with just a 2kg difference. Her penultimate run was on soft ground and that might therefore be the reason for her poor showing. Has placed in both c/d runs. With 25s available in the UK (appears shorter in SA) I think she is worth a small e/w. Jay River and Queen's Jet might be the biggest threats in an open looking contest.

R7 Not normally one for backing those straight out of the maidens but there are two I like today. I backed Brigtnumbersix on debut and was fairly impressed with her win. She seemed to take quite a few bumps but when asked to deliver she showed a really nice turn of foot and won going away. From their next 7 races, the 5 immediately behind her had 4 silvers and 3 golds. Paree showed plenty improvement lto and would be the one I consider some value and could go closest.

R8 Open race where plenty of the market leaders appear to be drawn on the wrong side. Sleepinseattle being the exception. But, I prefer to chance Gold Status e/w. Not far off some off these on collateral and a decent effort lto and comparatively well drawn here, possibly some value around 14s. With a better draw I would probably have sided with Captain Chips.

R9 Maximiser is my double with Brigtnumbersix from the 7th. Impressive maiden win and if not suffering from 2nd run after a rest issues looks to have a major chance imo in this line up despite coming out of the maidens. Tora Tora, ran on well from the back lto if memory serves me right but this may be a tad short, and Woodland Sage may fill the places.

Be(s)t of luck to all

Poncey wrote: Opinions on the objection?

I was on Jungle Mist, but can see the case for the #2.

Englander wrote: Last and 3rd last H, I knew I'd "stopped" doing this stuff for a good reason! Ok, yours had excuses...