Vaal Sand Thursday

R1 I could find no strong indicators in the race and ended up feeling I might do better with a market watch or even a pin! (Sorry, didn't watch it Bob, if you've read this far! )

R2 Not much easier than the first. For me, of those with c experience Marsden would be my clear selection, consistently not been too far away, suffered a saddle slip lto on this c and cracks a good draw in 2. He holds Won't Wait (Ciao-ciao-Sept), Magicalad (in 2/3 of the latter's most recent c runs), Abrax (Royal Chief-Jan, ignored Viking Castle run due to saddle slip) and others. All three of those mentioned also have double-figure draws here and though it is possible WW may have improved, he is returning from a 23 week break. Bigger dangers may come from those new to the surface or with "excuses". Little Oke could improve on the surface and has the 1 box. Battle Of Arcole's debut effort wasn't the worst form on show here and returns to that distance but, though the stable has been going well of late, a 68 week break and the 11 box may prove too much to overcome. Diesel Power has breeding indicators implying improvement could be seen, stable has come into some decent form recently, takes a big drop in trip, gets the blinkers and is drawn in 3... 3 WR runs in 5 outings before trying the sand though does not give me huge confidence. I'll try R1 based on somewhat tenuous breeding indicators, on Samidee. The most "interesting" one for me though is Post Grad. Very risky but his only sand effort was over 1000, he was reported not striding that day and also had blinkers on which were removed again nto, he may also find this d more suitable and the breeding indicates a good chance of going well on the surface. Imo Marsden is the sensible option but I don't think anyone ever called me that so, despite a tricky draw ... Post Grad x Marsden x Diesel Power

R3 Princess Milo, hmmm, there is something in the breeding to indicate she may go well on the sand but certainly not enough for me to back her at these odds, in fact she could win by 20l but I would be raising one eyebrow with a slight frown on my face seeing anyone taking the 6/10! Worth chancing a pass even though the competition looks particularly weak. Cupid's Gold and then Ginger Sioux probably the most likely and I'll risk a couple of rand on the sand debutant Eastside and a miniscule e/w on Black Lace in the hope that the 1 box brings out big improvement.

R4 4 of the 9 strong field are new to the surface and I couldn't find particularly strong positives for any of them, none of them are out of it but, in such circumstances, I usually prefer to go with those with c experience. I make Guy From Dubai my clear pick and Amber Sail worth chancing on the exacta. Throw in Aaron's Element and Shakaland for the trifecta/quartet and hope none of those new to the sand enjoy it!

R5 Mulberry Bay - TML has summed this up. Also has the advantage of the 1 box. Stablemate Jumpstart could prove the main danger. Celtic Heroine may appreciate returning to the sand and after two good efforts here to start her career she could prove to be the spanner in the works, though well beaten on her last visit she was drawn wide that day and also had the blinkers on which were removed nto. I would include Bodega in everything and given the price will probably decide to do a small e/w. Mulberry Bay x Jumpstart x Bodega

R6 Those with a better eye and knowledge might believe Masnoon has a lot more to come, to my limited eye then he needs to show more to justify the odds, little to choose between him and Limbo last time they met. As again mentioned by TML, I think Perfect Trip could show big improvement from the 1 box after a series of poor draws, worth chancing an e/w. There are plenty here though who could take the spoils but not sufficient evidence for me to recommend, just go with your hunch! The "sensible" option for me is Antonius Charm who has been running well of late on the turf and ran a decent 3rd last time he was here over a distance probably too short for him, from the 2 box I expect him to be competitive. At the other end of the scale, the complete nutter is interested in Fear Nothing who has been reported running on nicely over 1200 in her last 2 c visits (PT behind both times) and could go much better than the current odds suggest, worth the R1 e/w nomination. Antonius Charm x Fear Nothing x Perfect Trip

R7 Wide open for me. Starsinhiseyes my first choice based on her very good debut effort. She was reported not striding out nto so I have ignored that run, a repeat of the debut effort would make her a big runner here for me. It is another race though with plenty possible. Play Date returns from an 18 week break (as does Stars) but has run well fresh before and has shown ability in both c runs, potentially a major player imo. The consistent She's A Tiger should be right in the mix also and Twilight Tiger has won her last three c/d runs and must come in for serious considered though prior to those wins she had been beaten by both Stars and PD. Captain's Diva also likely to be in the vicinity and Lady Casey is interesting dropped in trip, it would be no surprise to me to see her win. With the sand newcomers all having a fair chance of taking to the surface, there were very few I discounted entirely but... Starsinhiseyes x Play Date x She's A Tiger.

R8 I think Battle of Alma should win but is no star so a surprise could be on the cards, Jumbo dropped in trip after a series of poor draws over 1200 is the most "interesting" for me and on whom I will chance a small e/w. Tiger's Legacy is usually not so far off and I think he will be there or thereabouts again. Proud As Punch has a definite chance but my hunch is against. The idiot will be having R1 e/w on Royal Stock who has, at least, twice finished in front of BOA over c/d and back to this c/d there is a chance better form could return. Battle Of Alma x Tiger's Legacy x Jumbo.

I like a few on the card but it could easily be a day of hard luck stories or... simply that I have picked the wrong ones lol. Hope all is fair in love and war though as there could be some competitive racing...

Be(s)t of luck to all

Maybe one of the most uninspiring cards ever...... :silly:

but, for me anyway, still a million times more inspiring than that served yesterday! :silly:

Agree with engels, much better than yesterdays kak...that said, its not the best of cards. Race 1 for eg is a mine field. Good luck to those backing a 8/10 first timer on the sand. I will be looking for value with small e/w on Silver Sniper and Tearaway

Like reading your write ups Englander. Im just learning your racing so this helps. Like i said before good by all the guys on here. Keep up the good work all. Good luck today everyone you deserve something for the effort that goes in.

think aki bua will enjoy riding style of Johnny G

At 8/10 Wizaam must be More Than Ready.

Hope you managed to get 20's on starsinhiseyes Engels, cats really out the bag now :lol:

I think MDK AHLAAM danger in race 5

Oops didn't see the betting sorry 6/10 anyway thats who Mulberry Bay must beat

Bob Brogan wrote: anyone? surely someone watched USO or first call what ever its called?

you sounded desperate, so I went into the decoder’s buffer and watched the show.
Very irritated having to listen “comedian” andrews, but no mention made of De Kock runner in 1st.
R5, (2) Ahlaam apparently a “good thing” (?)
If you want Maurice’s hot tip at Wolverhampton – R5, #1 Silverware.
Julie's place double - R4#8 R7 #8

Have started studying form again after a long layoff.....glad to see I have not lost my touch unless we all idiots. Took max double eachway Mulberry x starsinhiseyes before they shortened (sort of..think mulb had a bit) . Amber Sail in small patent. Big hond I like is Master Duke in the 2nd. 66/1 not much to hurt you.