Copper could turn to gold

Copper can become gold for punters in the opening of the Jackpot at the Vaal Classic track today with Copper Jay looking a very confident win bet and exotic banker.

This three-year-old Jay Peg colt was supported from long odds when making his debut just over a month ago over this course and distance, and stayed on for a clear second to He’s Great.

He has gone on to record a win and close up second in his two post maiden runs, and on the face of it Copper Jay meets a far less inspiring bunch of maidens here in Race 4.

Singfonica and Ten-Four both made improvement last time, and with the scratching of Mardi Gras would make most appeal of the rest. Another possible danger is the rested and gelded Crassus, who could threaten if repeating his second to classy Alfolk first time out 10 months ago. Lightly raced That’s Life and Cape Wildcat are others to consider.   

The value Eachway bet comes up in the seventh and penultimate race. Four-year-old Visionaire gelding Crazy Vision finished well to win at this same MR72 level last time out, and has shown regular improvement in recent outings.

Already a winner over this Vaal 1700m, he jumps from a good draw, and has Alec Laird stable jockey Randall Simons in the irons. A slight worry is that he has been rested for two months, but if anywhere near peak fitness will be making things hot for the others late on.   

This is an open contest if ever there was one though, and more than half of the 11 runners can harbour genuine winning aspirations. Cosmic Count and Time To Be Great are both consistent and have handy galloping weights, while at the top of the weight scale well performed Shogun and Street Flyer have to be taken seriously as well.  

Add in Post Grad and the lightly raced pair of Raging Flame and Throng, and you end up with something of a conundrum, but Crazy Vision remains a confident selection to finish in the first three at what should be a reasonable price.