The Vaal, Tuesday 23 February

There`s a nine race card at the Vaal on Tuesday, with the action getting underway at 12:35pm

Computaform news.tabonline.co.za/FieldsPDF/Computafo.../VAAL@2021.02.23.pdf

Gold Circle......

VAAL STRAIGHT TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23 FORMGUIDES, SELECTIONS, PERMUTATIONS

by David Thiselton

RACE 1: Preview: GRAPPLER (6) ran on well second time out over 1000m and has a good opportunity in this uninspiring field. QUNETRA (2) should be right there on formlines. SOUTH BOY (9) is an Argentinian-bred who is by Grade 2-winner over a mile Equal Stripes, who is out of a half-sister to the immortal Empress Club, out of a mare by Grand Slam and the latter finished second in the Breeders Cup Sprint so this horse should have some speed and is second favourite in the early market. ROCK THE KAZVAR (3) finished ahead of Sonny Quinn last time and the latter had finished narrowly behind Grappler before that. LAZY GUY (1) finished a close second over 1160m last time but has 3,45 lengths to find on Grappler from their clash over this trip. (David Thiselton 6-2-9-3-1)

RACE 2: Preview: COUNTRY MILE (1) finished second in her first two starts before disappointing in a Juvenile Plate, all over this trip, and she could have benefited from and eight month layoff. SKY KINGDOM (4) has improved since being dropped down to this trip with blinkers on and could go close. MAGIC CHOICE (12) has a place chance here on formlines. (David Thiselton 1-4-12)

RACE 3: Preview: LAGERTHA (6) is still a maiden but proved last time she is competitively merit rated for handicaps when second over 1200m and off a one point higher mark and a distance she is effective over she could be the one to beat. RAMSAY (7) is in good form and will appreciate the step down in trip. ICE EATER (1) is knocking on the door and goes well for this claimer. SAVIOUR (3) has good pace and both his wins have been over this trip so he will appreciate the step down in trip, although both of those wins were around the turn. ALEX THE GREAT (11) is 3kg better off with Ramsay for a 3,80 length beating. (David Thiselton 6-7-1-3-11)

RACE 4: Preview: MIND READER (5) is small but consistent and can go one better after two seconds in row which followed a win. FREEDOM SEEKER (2) brings some decent Cape Town form and horses from that centre often have suppressed merit ratings SOUTHERN CHARM (3) showed speed when winning over this trip on debut so dropping back to this trip might be what she is looking for. (David Thiselton 5-2-3)

RACE 5: Preview: BELLA BLACK (3) has developed into a fair sprinter and faces an easier task than she did last time in a Graduation Plate. INFORMATIVE (5) ran well last time in a strong Progress Plate and back in a handicap has a shout. CORVETTE CAPTAIN (9) has a chance if repeating his last start. (David Thiselton 3-5-9)

RACE 6: Preview: HARRY’S SECRET (5) wasn’t disgraced first time out the maidens around the turn from a tricky and could be in the shake up back down the straight. PUTIN’S PROMISE (3) has a good turn of foot and might well enjoy the step down in trip. BATTLE FORCE (4) has caught the eye before and starts off handicapping on a reasonable merit rating. LOUIS THE SEVENTH (7) can be in the shake up if holding form. PROCRASTINATOR ( could earn off a lowered merit rating. (David Thiselton 5-3-4-7-

RACE 7: Preview: FULL MAST (2) faces his easiest task since his last win and is only two points higher in the merit ratings and he is effective over this trip. IN CAHOOTS (5) was just 2.1 lengths behind the talented Vars Vicky last time and can make his presence felt. NORDIC REBEL (7) is right up with In Cahoots on their last meeting and now has Kennedy up. PUTONTHEREDLIGHT (3) was beaten 0,75 lengths by Full Mast last time over this trip but is now 1.5kg worse off is apprentice claims are ignored and 4kg worse off if they are included. SEVEN PATRIOTS (1) is a frontrunner who is capable of popping up. 2-5-7-3-1)

RACE 8: Preview: BOLD JAZZ (3) is a talented horse with a fair turn of foot and he is best over this trip. STORMY WINTER (4) is interesting going over 1400m as he recently won three in a row from the front over 1600m at this course and found 1800m too far last time. AGAINST THE GRAIN (1) has not been disgraced lately against decent opposition and can earn here. (David Thiselton 3-4-1)

RACE 9: Preview: IRISH RAIN (1) can win here if repeating his run in December over course and distance. PRINCE ALF (3) ran well last time over this trip and looks to have scope for improvement. LIGHT WARRIOR ( beat Prince Alf narrowly in that last start but was beaten 3,50 lengths by Irish Rain in December. NUSSPLY (5) also has a shout in this line up. STAR EFFECT (4) ran well over 1700m last time and could also be in the shake up with a repeat. (David Thiselton 1-3-8-5-4)

Place Accumulator: (R216)
Leg 1: 6,7,1
Leg 2: 5,2
Leg 3: 3,5,9
Leg 4: 5,3,4
Leg 5: 2,5
Leg 6: 3
Leg 7: 1,3

Pick 6: (R900)
Leg 1: 5,2
Leg 2: 3,5,9
Leg 3: 5,3,4,7,8
Leg 4: 2,5,7
Leg 5: 3,4
Leg 6: 1,3,8,5,4

Jackpot: (R90)
Leg 1: 3,5,9
Leg 2: 5,3,4,7,8
Leg 3: 2,5,7
Leg 4: 3,4

Best:
Race 1: 6

Value:
Race 6: 5

Picture: FULL MAST has been selected to win the 7th.

Grappler does look the right one but late money for Qunetra.

Good Punting

That’s a shame for the connections 🙈😪