June 27 - Despite winter's chilly presence tomorrow (Sunday, June 28) at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg, South Africa, a multitude of warmly-wrapped horseracing fans are expected to attend the day's proceedings, which includes 1 juvenile plate, 4 maiden plates, 1 novice plate, and 4 handicaps.

Race 1 is a 1160m Juvenile Plate for 2-year-old fillies which has drawn eight runners. The most formidable of these is Chica Bonita, who ran very well the last time out against males. As such, she is certainly worth a wager as is El Barrio, who recently won her debut, and Kissing Cousin, who did the same.

The first Maiden Plate of the day is over 1160m open to all maidens. It has attracted a large field of 15, but the real standout is El Kapitaine who has proven his fondness for Turffontein in the past. Another decent bet may be Hit The Trixie who is more comfortable over this distance. Fort Jerez could do well.

Race 3 is a 1000m Maiden Plate for fillies and mares. 18 runners are expected to start, including Pamushana who has been in good form of late and could be ready to make her mark tomorrow. Western Filly did not shape over wet sand recently, but should fare better over turf. Magic Aura is also worth a wager.

At double the distance is Race 4, a 2000m Maiden Plate for fillies and mares. Out of the field of 12, Rambo's Belle has dazzled at this course before and should finish well. With champion jockey Piere Strydom aboard, Bouncebackability could be a good bet. With blinkers tomorrow, consider Delta Alpha Delta.

Race 5 is a 1600m Novice Plate for fillies and mares, which has drawn a 16-horse field. No doubt smart punters will back Academic Path, who has only finished out of the top three in 3 out 9 starts. Ahazaza and Santa Cristina each won their maidens last time out and may be poised to prove themselves again.

The first handicap of the day is the 1400m open MR 86 Divided Handicap. This race has attracted 13 runners, many of whom could pull a win out of the bag Sunday. But the horse most worth a bet is Nomafashini with Piere Strydom aboard. Also watch out for French Admiral and his stablemate Access Code.

Race 7 is the 1400m open MR 72 Divided Handicap. Another large-field race with 16 runners, this race should be exciting. Carrelli, who easily won his maiden last time out, will be well-supported. His strongest rivals may be Winking Jack who ran a great post maiden last time out, and the consistent Bernie's Pride.

Next up is the 1000m open MR 84 Handicap which has drawn 14 worthy sprinters. However, the horse to beat in this race will be Beat Patrol who has only ever won over this distance and likes Turffontein. His biggest competition is in the form of two other 1000m specialists, Special Award and Sports Acclaim.

Race 9 is the 1000m MR 69 Divided Handicap. With 18 horses set to jostle for position, this race should be one of the day's highlights. In terms of those that are worth a bet, topping the list is King's Gold who is currently in excellent form. But don't discount the promising Tarachello or recent winner Saint Stephen.

And finally, the last race of the day is the 1160m open Maiden Plate. Out of its 16 entrants, the strongest looking runner is Imperial City who has always done well over this distance and looks overdue for a win. Spare a bet for Ruling March who will be making his turf debut, as well as Mholi, who could impress.

Other Articles:

2009 Durban July Handicap Betting Preview - 07-02-09

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy Chalks up 1000th Win - 06-30-09

Rachel Alexandra Wins 7th Straight - 06-29-09

Nicky Henderson Faces Ban Over Failed Drug Test - 06-28-09

Rachel Alexander to Run in Mother Goose Stakes - 06-26-09

Zenyatta Favorite for 2009 Vanity Handicap - 06-25-09

Winter Cup Could be Final Race for Prince Arthur - 06-24-09

Foreign Races Added to 09 Breeders Cup Program - 06-24-09





2011/12/09 12:49:09 AM