Expect some classic magic at the Vaal
Al Azraq came back to form in his last start and Clinton Binda’s charge will be back on the Vaal Inside track on Thursday to possibly notch up a double.
DROP IN CLASS: Magic ran a good second in stronger company last time and is expected to go one better when he lines up in Race 7 over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track today.
Punters will get an indication of how strong that form line is when Magic, who finished second behind Al Azraq, lines up today to contest Race 7, a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track.
Trainer Leon Erasmus put blinkers on Magic for the first time in his last race and that move may have worked in that he was closer to the pace throughout the race but has a tendency to hang out and he still did that last time, even with the blinkers.
We will know a lot more after tomorrow’s meeting but the son of Mogok is currently in good form and looks a touch better than his opposition. In April he was beaten just 1.90 lengths by Bull Valley who is a very talented runner. He followed that run by finishing a 0.30-length second behind Gun Fighter.
His penultimate run, when a four-length fourth behind Fidelio, can be forgiven as Magic was found to be coughing after the race so that run is best ignored. Sherman Brown takes the ride.
Night Editor was raced over 1000m for the first time in his last start and came flying home to beat Alaca by 1.90 lengths. He probably enjoyed the fast pace and was easily able to run down his opposition. That race was on the Classic track as well so we know he will cope and ironically he was drawn No 4 then and will jump from the same position on this occasion.
He did receive a 2.5kg penalty for that win and will be taking on stronger opposition but the five-year-old gelding will be carrying 1.5kg less. Craig Zackey takes the ride again.
Ronnie Rocket will be racing over 1000m for the first time in this event. The John Vos-trained runner has only raced eight times but they have all been over 1100m and further.
The three-year-old son of Noordhoek Flyer could also find himself enjoying this drop in trip and he will have Piere Strydom in the irons.
There was a lot of support for Supanova last time but he faded late to finish 3.35 lengths behind Al Azraq. He should not beat Magic based on that last run but could finish in the placings.
