2 days ago
June 28 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,160m)
(9) STONE OF SCONE improved to finish second over track and trip last time, so she rates the one to beat.
However, a bigger threat could come from well-bred newcomers (8) SISTERSHIP, (10) SURPRISE PARTY and (3) CHANTILLY DREAM.
Race 2 (1,160m)
(8) DETAILED FORECAST was featured prominently before tiring late on debut. She would have benefited from that experience, so could repay her followers. A handy 2.5kg sex allowance will aid her cause.
(7) THE LAST DUKE fits a similar profile and should acquit himself more competitively in maiden company.
Watch the betting on the newcomers, especially (3) GAVIUS MAXIMUS and stablemate (4) JABARI THIMBA.
Race 3 (1,160m)
This would not take much winning so, if there is no market support for either of the newcomers, then (10) FIERY ROSE can be confidently backed to open her account. She outran market expectations when finishing second over track and trip on debut before another runner-up finish last time.
Newcomer (9) TITAN OF THE TURF, debutant (7) LANNYBOY and the unexposed (5) SILVER LONGSWORD could give the selection most to fear.
Race 4 (1,160m)
(13) WISE COUNSEL showed signs of inexperience on debut, but she did catch the eye once the penny had dropped, staying on to finish a creditable fifth over 1,000m. She would have come on appreciably with the benefit of that experience, so her progress could be worth following.
(7) MASTER'S LADY and (10) SEASON'S GREETINGS will likely make their presence felt, especially if building on the improvement they showed last time.
Newcomer (8) QUEENSLAND must be respected.
Race 5 (1,000m)
Competitive sprint handicap.
(4) RODEO DRIVE has been sparingly raced as a 3YO after a productive 2YO campaign that included a second at Grade 1 level. Predominantly raced in feature races since, she remains open to improvement and is worth siding with on her handicap debut, even against older hard-knocking male rivals.
Stablemate (6) CHIEFTAIN also has room to improve.
(5) ONE FELL SWOOP should not be taken lightly.
Race 6 (1,000m)
The lightly raced (2) BOURBON RESERVE has exhibited respiratory issues, but those may have been resolved during the 10-week break after a disappointing last start. Judging on the strength and consistency of his earlier form, coupled with the likelihood of improvement in just his sixth appearance, he is good value to score on his return in these calmer waters.
Hard-knockers (4) JOHN WICK and (8) RAFA BAY could expose any chinks in the selection's armour.
(7) HEMISPHERE is also a lightly raced 3YO gelding capable of having a say in the outcome.
Race 7 (1,400m)
(2) CEUTA confirmed the improvement of her two previous outings by winning last time. She copped a seven-point penalty for that career-best performance, but on the evidence of that victory, there may not be enough to prevent her from winning again.
(8) GLAMOROUS LADY and (4) MISS HANNIGAN have the form and experience to play leading roles too. (3) QUEEN OF LOVE reunites with Piere Strydom - with whom she is unbeaten - and that could bring about a more competitive showing.
There were valid excuses for the disappointing showing from (6) BLIND AMBITION last time, so she should not be overlooked either.
Race 8 (1,400m)
(2) PRINCESS ILARIA has finished second in consecutive recent starts at a higher level, so this drop in class, even off a higher mark, ought to bring about a return to winning ways.
(1) BOOM BOOM and (7) QUANTUM are closely matched on these terms after a recent 1,600m on the Inside track. Both will have a say in the outcome if reproducing similar performances.
Last-start maiden winner (8) CAPE SAFFRON is open to improvement and she could be leniently treated under 55kg on her handicap debut.
Race 9 (1,160m)
None of these inspire any degree of confidence but it could be worth siding with (7) PHALA MILLIONS, whose recent form and consistency at this level will be rewarded sooner than later.
(1) ENSUING is all held by that rival on recent form.
(2) TOKYO MEDAGLIA can improve and has performed well over track and trip, so he must be respected.
(11) BREGARDT resurfaced on the Polytrack last time - finishing ahead of both (8) MARIACHI MADNESS and (6) PRIZED PLATINUM - but needs to confirm that improvement back on turf to make his presence felt.
