
May 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
This will not take much winning, so (1) BRIGHAM need not improve much on recent form and consistency to break his duck.
(4) ALAKANANI, (7) ART NOUVEAU and (8) BLUE QUARTZ also have the form and experience to play leading roles.
Race 2 (1,000m)
Promising (1) SYLVAN WARRIOR gave weight and a beating to older rivals on his handicap debut last time and, even under top weight, could prove hard to beat back in 2yo company.
(3) CONSTELLATION is 3kg better off last-start winner (2) NYAKA NYAKA, so could give the selection most to fear. Nyaka Nyaka is improving and likely to acquit himself competitively.
Recent runner-up (8) ANCHORAGE should make her presence felt too with any improvement.
Race 3 (1,200m)
(18) JAPANESE GARDEN built on an encouraging debut to finish second over 1,450m last time and showed enough pace that day to suggest that this shorter trip could be more to her liking.
(1) DESERT CLOUD has the form and greater experience to expose any chinks in the selection's armour.
Watch the betting on well-bred debutants (13) AL GREENGA and (10) DEZIRE.
Race 4 (1,200m)
Last-start runner-up (15) TIME WILL TELL has scope for improvement, so could have the measure of his rivals.
(1) MIZZEN SWORD needs only produce a similar performance to be in the shake-up once more.
Younger rival (17) WALL STREET also has plenty of upside. Keep safe.
(10) OKLAHOMA SMOKESHOW would have benefited from her introductory outing and should not be underestimated.
Race 5 (2,000m)
It could pay to follow the progress of class-dropper (2) ALADDIN'S LAMP who caught the eye on his Highveld debut and would have benefited from that comeback.
Hard-knocker (3) BANHA BRIDGE is proven at this level and likely to be in the shake-up, too.
(1) THE ULTIMATE KING is progressive and unbeaten as a gelding. He won a similar race on his handicap debut and a five-point penalty is unlikely to halt his momentum.
(9) COPPOLA and (6) FUTUREWOLFF are 2kg better off with their last-start conqueror, so should pose more of a threat.
Race 6 (1,800m)
(3) INSTANT ATTRACTION was runner-up on handicap debut at a higher level. She races off an unchanged mark and will benefit from her rider's 1.5kg allowance.
(2) STORM AHEAD would not be winning out of turn after consecutive seconds but deserves another chance.
Recent runner-up (9) VIVA DE JANEIRO completes the shortlist.
Veterans (4) CARNELO and (5) CALL ME MASTER continue to hold their own in this grade and will likely acquit themselves competitively.
Race 7 (1,600m)
A slight ease in the ratings and return to this distance will suit (3) CAPE LIGHTS who could represent the value in a tricky handicap.
(8) AVOONTOAST had legitimate excuses for a disappointing last start and could make amends.
(6) BLIND AMBITION has thrived since relocating to the Highveld and this step-up in class is unlikely to prevent another bold showing.
(12) LAST CAR TO PASS and (14) I AM REGAL are others capable of playing a role.
Race 8 (1,400m)
(2) KING OF NUMBERS and (3) PAUL REVERE are closely matched on the form of a recent meeting over this trip and there should not be much separating them on these terms.
Last-start winner (4) DYLAN'S CHAMP is also a genuine candidate for honours.
(8) NEW MEXICO did not go unnoticed last time when returning from a break and should improve to make his presence felt too.
Race 9 (1,200m)
(15) ALONE TIME ran well above his rating last time when third at level weights to a 108-rated 3yo rival and a repeat of that performance in this weaker company should suffice.
(2) VEGAS HI RISE, (13) MICKE'S BOMB and (14) GOLDEN ASPEN will be competitive for the places if also reproducing their recent performances.
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New Paper
2 days ago
- New Paper
July 26 South Africa (Turffontein/Kenilworth) form analysis
Race 1 (1,160m) Well-bred (11) QUEENSLAND outran market expectations when finishing second on debut over track and trip. She would have benefited from that experience and with any improvement could go one better. (7) UMZINGELI WENYATHI has shown enough to make his presence felt and should acquit himself competitively. Newcomers (2) CLEVER TREVOR and (10) MEMPHIS are all respected on debut, especially if the market speaks in their favour. Watch the betting. Race 2 (1,160m) Well-related (5) SISTERSHIP caught the eye on debut when a fast-finishing second over track and trip, despite drifting in the betting and suffering interference at the start. She would have come on nicely with that experience and it should pay to follow her progress. Imported debutant (6) STORMY DAY should not be ignored. (2) GASLIGHT DANCER was a game-in-defeat when third over this course and distance last time in open company. So she should have a role to play if confirming that improvement. (7) VAMANOS has not been seen since making her debut in March but she was fancied that day, so is respected on her reappearance. Race 3 (1,000m) (11) MAGICAL PALACE ran a cracker on debut. With natural improvement, should be hard to beat. (5) SARDINIA BAY improved at the second run and has to be respected for all bets - strong each-way chance. (9) WAROFDYNAMITE with weight off can earn and (8) WORLD CHAMPION can improve to get closer. Race 4 (1,000m) (4) CHIEFTAIN beat several re-opposing rivals over this course and distance when an authoritative winner of a similar event last time. He carries a three-point penalty for that success but is progressive and could improve sufficiently to confirm his superiority over his familiar foes, despite the unfavourable weight turnarounds. Stablemate (2) COSMIC STAR and speedy (5) ONE FELL SWOOP should pose more of a threat on these terms. Hard-knocker (8) HALBERDIER will not be far off the mark. Race 5 (1,200m) (2) MEGHAN'S DIAMOND is showing some ability and can improve further and could be tough to get past. (3) NEBULOUS has not been far away in both her runs thus far and will be a huge chance. (6) HAZEL GREEN improved length-wise last time and could be the place value. (7) WAIT FOR ME can build on the debut performance. Race 6 (1,000m) (4) RAFA BAY confirmed the promise of his Highveld introduction (third) with a dominant start-to-finish victory at this level over track and trip last month and with any improvement in his peak outing, the resultant six-point penalty should not halt his momentum. (13) NAZARE should not be taken lightly. (7) TIGER STORM had excuses last time and is capable of having a say too. Last-start winner (11) FAITHFUL NEO also remains competitive despite penalties. Race 7 (1,200m) (7) BEACH VERSE improved at long odds last time and with further progression expected, can go very close to winning. (8) CHICKASAW caught the eye last time and can go one more. (1) PITERAQ was far from disgraced first-up and can improve to earn her first cheque. (5) UP IN FLAMES is a must for trifectas and quartets. Race 8 (1,800m) Hard-knockers (2) ELEMBEE has the form and experience at this level to play a leading role, especially off current ratings. (3) ART NOUVEAU beat male rivals when winning on her handicap debut over this trip and even under a five-point penalty, another bold showing is expected in her hat-trick bid against female-only opposition. Top-weight (1) TEO TORRIATTE has improved with cheekpieces fitted and confirmed by winning at a higher level last time. She too races off a career-high mark but should remain competitive. (4) WAGRAM is better than her last run suggests. Best kept onside. Race 9 (1,400m) (3) RIKKITIKKITAVI never justified favouritism last time but was far from disgraced and can bounce right back to winning ways. The weight off will help. (7) GOODNESSGRACIOUSME can run fresh back in Cape Town from KZN and is a massive runner. (4) MIRACULOUS has a huge place chance and (2) FUN ZONE is ultra-consistent and can win - big chance as always. Race 10 (1,800m) (2) DIMAKO'S JET has winning form at this level and has a better record over 1,800m, so is preferred, despite Gavin Lerena opting to ride (4) KISSHOTEN. Both were beaten by It's Her Way recently but Dimako's Jet gave 3.5kg to that rival when second over track and trip whereas Kisshoten received 0.5kg when third over 1,600m. (1) LAST CAR TO PASS has made giant strides in three starts with this headgear configuration and the five-point penalty for her dominant last-start success over 1,600m should not prevent her from making another bold bid. (5) ACCEPT COOKIES will not be far off. Race 11 (1,400m) (3) ONCIDIUM caught the eye when trotting up in the maidens and could be anything - follow. (1) MISS NEW YORK is never far off the action and has each-way claims. (5) IM THE BUZZ is taking time to win again but is running well and can place as always. (9) ANGEL'S OASIS has a quartet chance. Form is solid. Race 12 (1,400m) (7) MAX THE MAGICIAN ran on powerfully from the rear (wide draw) to finish ahead of (6) FRENCH BOLT. On the evidence of that performance, this is a good opportunity for him to bounce back to winning ways. After an encouraging and close-up seventh on the Inside track last time, French Bolt is also of interest. (1) GRAND CRESCENDO is talented but plagued with issues, so he is best watched for now. (2) VULCANITE is the only filly in the race and one to watch on her reappearance for a new stable. Race 13 (1,400m) (1) LANDOFTHERISINGSUN has won his last two well and is confidently selected to reel off the hat-trick. (3) CAPTAIN WEST is holding form and should be in the first four with a winning shout. (7) AIR RAID has won two out of his last three and can continue on these ways - serious chance. (5) SAN PEDRO could be the place value - respect and include. Race 14 (1,400m) Several who have legitimate chances in a tricky contest but it could be worth siding with (9) OPEN HIGHWAY whose consistency could finally be rewarded, especially given his slightly reduced mark after close-up recent finishes. (1) PRESSONREGARDLESS had legitimate excuses for his last start at a higher level and is capable of bouncing back in this grade. Youngster (13) NYAKA NYAKA will be tested from a wide draw and against older opposition but he is open to improvement, so must be respected under 54.5kg. (6) SHINTO SHRINE is not to be taken lightly. Race 15 (1,600m) (4) WEHAVEASITUATION from gate 1 will have every opportunity to reel off the hat-trick and is selected to do so. (11) BENEATH THE CLOUDS is another searching for the hat-trick and will be very competitive for it - big danger to the first choice. (6) TAKE IT AS RED was far from disgraced last time and can get much closer - bright chance. (3) GOLDEN ANGEL must make the quartet shortlist. Race 16 (1,200m) (2) LHASA ran a good race last time and has each-way claims in a tough race. (10) WILD APPLAUSE ran an absolute cracker first time out of the maidens and can go one more. (8) SHE'S MY WORLD has huge each-way claims and (7) MUSIC OF THE NIGHT has a first-four chance.


New Paper
5 days ago
- New Paper
July 24 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (3) EMPRESS WU is overdue for a maiden win. She would not be winning out of turn after four second-place finishes in a row. (1) TRAIL RUNNER was recently gelded and has the form and experience to fight out the finish. (4) SHIMMERING also has a role to play. (2) FIRE STARTER will not need to improve much over this shorter trip to make his presence felt too. Race 2 (1,600m) (5) TRIP TO STATES was a well-beaten second last time but needs only to repeat that performance over this extended trip to play another leading role. (4) CODEWORD finished a career-best second in this headgear three weeks ago under the same rider and could fight for victory if confirming that improvement. (6) WINCHESTER and (1) JOHNNY DRAMA appeal most of the remainder. Race 3 (1,600m) Last-start scorer (8) TOMMY SHELBY and debut winner (7) COPPER EAGLE are promising 2yo colts with scope to improve over this extended trip that should suit. (2) WAR REPORTER confirmed his previous outing by running second over 1,800m recently. He should go well again over a course and distance he is unbeaten. Hard-knocker (3) LAUGHING WILLIAM bounced back to form last time and could be hard to peg back if adopting similar tactics. Race 4 (1,000m) Consistent (5) KIA KAHA fared slightly better than (1) COSMIC QUEEN in a stronger 1,000m race last time but the latter was drawn wide around the turn that day and with any improvement should turn the tables. (2) BOSUM BUDDY had excuses for a disappointing last start and should not be underestimated on her Highveld return. (4) STARS AND BRA'S is not taken lightly off her reduced mark. Race 5 (1,200m) (4) FALCON STRIKE took advantage of a drop in the ratings when winning last time and a four-point penalty is not likely to prevent another forward showing. Runner-up (3) ALONE TIME is 1.5kg better off, so he could avenge that 1.10-length defeat. Highveld newcomer (1) PEREGRINE FALCON should not be underestimated on his reappearance off a career-low mark. Hard-knockers (8) PHALA MILLIONS has the form and experience at this level to also acquit himself competitively. Race 6 (2,400m) Progressive (4) LAVA LAMP and the thriving (7) CARTAGENA are both last-start winners, though preference is for the latter whose experience over this distance will stand her in good stead. (2) ARTIC SILVER finished third in her sole 2,400m appearance at a higher level and won her only start on this course, so she is not taken lightly either. (1) ORDER OF HOPE has claims. Race 7 (2,000m) Top-weight (1) SNEAK PREVIEW will appreciate the step-up to this distance and is worth siding with off her career-low mark. (2) HAT FURIOUS and (3) RED SPARROW have performed moderately since opening their accounts but are not underestimated off their reduced marks. (4) CREPUSCOLO has earning potential too. Race 8 (1,450m) (4) RED AMBER got going late to finish a close-up third in a stronger race over 1,400m against male opposition last time and this extended trip will be more to her liking. Will be hard to beat against female-only rivals. (5) GHOSTBUSTER will likely pose the biggest threat, as she remains open to improvement on her return from a break. (6) SHEETS AND GOGGLES and (9) LADY LOXTON complete the shortlist.


New Paper
11-07-2025
- New Paper
July 12 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (1) DAISY JONES confirmed the promise of her debut fourth over 1,500m by finishing second over 1,400m in her last start and this extended trip should unlock further progress. (2) MATCHA MINT would not be winning out of turn after three consecutive seconds, including back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1,600m. (3) REJUVENATE is closely matched with that rival, so she should play a leading role too. (6) STAMPEDE AHEAD has also shown enough to have a say in the outcome. Race 2 (1,160m) (9) SURPRISE PARTY did not go unnoticed on debut over this track and trip, despite showings signs of her inexperience. Newcomers (7) HEAVENLY GOOD, (4) COMIC ARTIST and (3) BABETTE'S FEAST are worth a market check. (1) CYBER SPIRIT has the form and experience to acquit herself competitively but is vulnerable to less-exposed rivals. Fellow 3YO filly (2) ICONIC WINTER would have benefited from a recent comeback and should have more to offer, especially on the evidence of her course-and-distance debut. Race 3 (1,160m) Well-bred newcomers (4) ECHO CHECK, (5) ECHOES OF WAR, (3) BEST CANDIDATE will not need to be special to play leading roles on debut. The same applies to (10) ONCEINABLUEMOON, who is not underestimated under bottom weight. Returning (1) AMANDLA NGAWETHU and Highveld newcomer (2) MONKEY PUZZLE are experienced older geldings vulnerable under top weight. (9) LANNYBOY would have come on from his course-and-distance debut fourth and ought to acquit himself competitively. Race 4 (1,160m) Unexposed (2) MISS ARGONAUT defied a market drift when winning at this level on her Highveld debut. She remains open to further progress and should have a bright future in the province. (1) ONE FELL SWOOP sets a good standard and boasts both the form and experience over track and trip to trouble the selection. (6) BLIZZARD SNOW and (4) KOMATI RIVER also have the means to get involved. Race 5 (1,160m) Last-start winner (8) BLINDFIRE, (7) GOLDEN ASPEN and (3) LADY OF MEMPHIS will be competitive if building on improved recent efforts. (2) VALIEVA was supported last time and had legitimate excuses for that disappointing performance, so she cannot be overlooked. (1) WE WILL ROCK YOU is out of sorts but dangerous to discount off a career-low mark and over this shorter trip under a 1.5kg-claiming apprentice. Race 6 (2,000m) (1) MOLOTOV COCKTAIL confirmed the promise of his fast-finishing debut fifth over 1,400m by winning from the front over 1,600m in his only subsequent appearance. This extended trip should be more to his liking, so it could pay to follow his progress. Well-bred class-dropper (3) DUAL PROPHECY caught the eye over track and trip last time and in his peak outing should pose a threat to the selection. (4) VOLTE FACE is another with earning potential. (5) FLAG BEARER and (9) GAMER are honest hard-knockers with the form and experience to make their presence felt too. Race 7 (1,600m) Course-and-distance specialist (9) JURY'S OUT would have tightened up after a much-needed comeback run over 1,160m and will likely fare better over this trip. (2) BACCHUS, (7) PRESLEY and (5) COMMAND PILOT are better than recent performances suggest and can take home a cheque. (1) WECANGOALLNIGHT acquitted himself competitively under 50kg in a stronger race over track and trip recently. He should have a role to play if reproducing that effort off an unchanged under 60kg. Race 8 (1,600m) Stablemates (3) BIRTHRIGHT and (7) THE PLAYBOY BOMBER are undefeated over track and trip. The latter overcame a wide draw when winning over course and distance last time in impressive fashion and is all set for another forward showing. However, preference is for the consistent former, who caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth over 1,450m on the Inside track last month and will prefer the Standside track. (5) KING OF NUMBERS and (9) EIFFEL TOWER should be competitive for the places.