# Vaal Thursday 5 October 2023 – Comments by Andrew Harrison
RACE 1
Summary: This work rider’s race looks a two-horse affair between SOLO DIVA (1) and MOUNT ETNA (8 ). Solo Diva has been consistent and was narrowly beaten when caught late over the trip last time out. Mount Etna goes the trip for the first time but has not been far back over a touch shorter and should feature. The balance of the field have little form to commend them. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-4).
RACE 2
Summary: Difficult race with a full house of 16. PEAK PREDATOR (12) showed good improvement for Lucky Houdalakis at his second start after returning from a break. He tired late and may just have been in need of the run. SHAMPIMPI (16) has shown ability but is a little headstrong. The drop back in trip could be the right move for Candice Dawson’s runner. LETS PLAY POKER (10) is a well-bred Drakenstein bred and owned first timer from the Mike and Adam Azzie stable stable and may prove the pick of the unraced. (Andrew Harrison: 12-16-10).
RACE 3
Summary: Mike de Kock’s filly GOCEKWITHLOVE (11) has been rested but was a beaten odds-on chance last time out. She meets a modest line-up and is the horse to beat. The balance have shown very little but the well exposed SOMEDAY MABE (3) found some market support last run. BEES AND HONEY (6) disappointed after a close-up second in a work rider’s race. Calvin Habib stays aboard Fanie Bronkhorst’s filly and she does appear to be capable of better. (Andrew Harrison: 11-6-3).
RACE 4
Summary: Tony Peter holds a strong hand with two lively runners in STORM PLAYER (6) and RUNAWAY BOMB (9). The former got a hefty 91 rating after a runaway maiden win over course and distance and looks useful. Runaway Bomb has not been out of the money since shedding her maiden. NO FILTER (5) is the highest rated runner in the Graduation Plate. She was not far back in a Gr2 feature at the end of last season and must have a strong chance in this line-up. CHASING HAPPINESS (7) landed the odds on debut with a comfortable win for Johan Janse van Vuuren. She could be anything and the betting could be your best guide. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-7-9).
RACE 5
Summary: Roy Magner and Muzi Yeni team up with DUNGEONS (6) who has been improving steadily of late. He tried hard last run and should have a strong chance in an open handicap. FULLY LOADED (3) was a beaten favourite last run but is never far back and steps up in trip. BACK TO BASICS (1) is down in class and although loaded with a big weight he is course and distance suited while Paul Matchett’s stable is in good form. HERE IS THE TIGER (5) is way better than his last effort and one for all exotic bets. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-1-5).
RACE 6
Summary: Difficult. BURMESE TIARA (7) won well when stepped up in trip by Barend Botes and she has the benefit of a light weight and Muzi Yeni in the irons. ANGEL’S WISH (4) stays well and Weiho Marwing’s mare is 3kg better off with Burmese Tiara for when last they met. SPECIAL CHARM (1) has top weight but does get 1.5kg relief from the saddle from Siyanda Sosibo. PRINCESS KESH (2) meets Special Charm at the same weights but should be running on. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-1-2).
RACE 7
Summary: Paul Matchett saddles three runners. Philasande Mxoli is his stable jockey aboard EXPLOSIVE BOND (8 ), a recent narrow maiden winner. However, she has improved with each step up in trip. Stable companion I AM REGAL (2) has gone close in two starts over a mile since her last win and has improved in blinkers. The extra furlong should be well within her compass and coupled with a 1.5kg claimer she has strong claims. SOLDIER’S EYE (1) was narrowly beaten last run and the form of that race has been solid. She has a big weight against mostly older runners. NAMAQUA BLOSSOM (4) returns from a break but also takes a drop in class. He best form has been over further and this looks to be a warm-up run. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-1-4).
RACE 8
Summary: Tough handicap. ZIYASHA (3) was a touch unlucky last run and has shown up well in two starts since shedding his maiden. The apprentice claim could see him home. COVERT OPERATOR (2) has come good of late and kept going well to win latest. That form has been franked and he can go in again. PENDRAGON (9) was 1.5 lengths behind Covert Operator and Siberian Steel when last they met. Siberian Steel has since won with Pendragon less than a length behind but did have a 4kg claimer aboard. Stable companion MIKE’S BOMB (12) was well supported in the market when landing the odds in first time blinkers and must have a chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-9-12).
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# Vaal Thursday 5 October 2023 – Comments by Andrew Harrison
RACE 1
Summary: This work rider’s race looks a two-horse affair between SOLO DIVA (1) and MOUNT ETNA (8 ). Solo Diva has been consistent and was narrowly beaten when caught late over the trip last time out. Mount Etna goes the trip for the first time but has not been far back over a touch shorter and should feature. The balance of the field have little form to commend them. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-4).
RACE 2
Summary: Difficult race with a full house of 16. PEAK PREDATOR (12) showed good improvement for Lucky Houdalakis at his second start after returning from a break. He tired late and may just have been in need of the run. SHAMPIMPI (16) has shown ability but is a little headstrong. The drop back in trip could be the right move for Candice Dawson’s runner. LETS PLAY POKER (10) is a well-bred Drakenstein bred and owned first timer from the Mike and Adam Azzie stable stable and may prove the pick of the unraced. (Andrew Harrison: 12-16-10).
RACE 3
Summary: Mike de Kock’s filly GOCEKWITHLOVE (11) has been rested but was a beaten odds-on chance last time out. She meets a modest line-up and is the horse to beat. The balance have shown very little but the well exposed SOMEDAY MABE (3) found some market support last run. BEES AND HONEY (6) disappointed after a close-up second in a work rider’s race. Calvin Habib stays aboard Fanie Bronkhorst’s filly and she does appear to be capable of better. (Andrew Harrison: 11-6-3).
RACE 4
Summary: Tony Peter holds a strong hand with two lively runners in STORM PLAYER (6) and RUNAWAY BOMB (9). The former got a hefty 91 rating after a runaway maiden win over course and distance and looks useful. Runaway Bomb has not been out of the money since shedding her maiden. NO FILTER (5) is the highest rated runner in the Graduation Plate. She was not far back in a Gr2 feature at the end of last season and must have a strong chance in this line-up. CHASING HAPPINESS (7) landed the odds on debut with a comfortable win for Johan Janse van Vuuren. She could be anything and the betting could be your best guide. (Andrew Harrison: 6-5-7-9).
RACE 5
Summary: Roy Magner and Muzi Yeni team up with DUNGEONS (6) who has been improving steadily of late. He tried hard last run and should have a strong chance in an open handicap. FULLY LOADED (3) was a beaten favourite last run but is never far back and steps up in trip. BACK TO BASICS (1) is down in class and although loaded with a big weight he is course and distance suited while Paul Matchett’s stable is in good form. HERE IS THE TIGER (5) is way better than his last effort and one for all exotic bets. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-1-5).
RACE 6
Summary: Difficult. BURMESE TIARA (7) won well when stepped up in trip by Barend Botes and she has the benefit of a light weight and Muzi Yeni in the irons. ANGEL’S WISH (4) stays well and Weiho Marwing’s mare is 3kg better off with Burmese Tiara for when last they met. SPECIAL CHARM (1) has top weight but does get 1.5kg relief from the saddle from Siyanda Sosibo. PRINCESS KESH (2) meets Special Charm at the same weights but should be running on. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-1-2).
RACE 7
Summary: Paul Matchett saddles three runners. Philasande Mxoli is his stable jockey aboard EXPLOSIVE BOND (8 ), a recent narrow maiden winner. However, she has improved with each step up in trip. Stable companion I AM REGAL (2) has gone close in two starts over a mile since her last win and has improved in blinkers. The extra furlong should be well within her compass and coupled with a 1.5kg claimer she has strong claims. SOLDIER’S EYE (1) was narrowly beaten last run and the form of that race has been solid. She has a big weight against mostly older runners. NAMAQUA BLOSSOM (4) returns from a break but also takes a drop in class. He best form has been over further and this looks to be a warm-up run. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-1-4).
RACE 8
Summary: Tough handicap. ZIYASHA (3) was a touch unlucky last run and has shown up well in two starts since shedding his maiden. The apprentice claim could see him home. COVERT OPERATOR (2) has come good of late and kept going well to win latest. That form has been franked and he can go in again. PENDRAGON (9) was 1.5 lengths behind Covert Operator and Siberian Steel when last they met. Siberian Steel has since won with Pendragon less than a length behind but did have a 4kg claimer aboard. Stable companion MIKE’S BOMB (12) was well supported in the market when landing the odds in first time blinkers and must have a chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-9-12).
thank you and the lads and ladies on here, for your insights
cheers
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