Latest news with #TRIPTOSTATES
New Paper
06-08-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Aug 7 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m) (5) FRERE JACQUES caught the eye on debut when staying on strongly for second over 1,200m on March 13. The extra 200m should be right up his alley and, with natural improvement, he will be a big runner. (6) PALACE ATTACK is bred to improve, and showed promise when finishing a close-up fifth over this trip last time. He is right in the mix and would not need to find much more to be competitive. (4) TRIP TO STATES brings solid form and race experience to the table. Watch the betting on the newcomers, particularly (10) BELLEROPHON, who is well-bred and could be primed for a bold debut. Race 2 (1,400m) The improving (2) RENDEVOUS IN RIO would not be winning out of turn after back-to-back seconds, and she is preferred over the well-bred (8) CHANTILLY DREAM, who would have benefited from an encouraging debut sixth over a shorter trip. The consistent (3) EMPRESS WU and (6) CONCORDIA have the form and experience to trouble those rivals. Race 3 (1,000m) (1) INSPECTOR JAMES, (2) JET QUERARI and the recently gelded (3) TIME WILL TELL all bring solid form and valuable experience to the table, so expect them to be right in the thick of things at the finish. (4) GASLIGHT DANCER is a speedy sort who would relish the drop back in trip to 1,000m. The addition of a first-time tongue-tie may unlock further improvement, making her one to watch for value backers. Race 4 (1,000m) (2) MISTER WILSON showed ability as a juvenile and is open to plenty of improvement after a layoff. (3) ARILENA and (5) NAZARE are seasoned campaigners with consistent form, and should test the younger rivals. (7) BLINDFIRE won with blinkers on two starts ago, and cannot be ignored with the headgear refitted. Race 5 (1,200m) (1) GLOBAL THUNDER is thriving in cheekpieces, and could complete a hat-trick if she maintains her current form. (5) VALIEVA and (2) BOOM BOOM are consistent campaigners with the experience to pose a threat. (8) TIME FOR CHARITY warrants inclusion for wider exotics. Race 6 (2,400m) (7) SILVER FLARE finished ahead of Cartagena last time, and is weighted to confirm that result, making him the one to beat. (2) CARTAGENA is unbeaten over this course and distance, and could bounce back at her favourite track. (4) STOP THE TRAFFIC is capable of grabbing a share and adding depth to the race. (1) ROSY LEMON benefits from a 4kg claim, and is consistent enough to make her presence felt. Race 7 (1,800m) (1) GIMMEACHOICE caught the eye on stable debut after a break and being gelded. He should relish the step-up in trip, and looks primed for a big run with natural improvement. (4) FUTUREWOLFF is a consistent campaigner with solid form and should be right there again. (3) MIZZEN SWORD impressed when shedding his maiden tag last time, and could be competitive if he backs up that effort. (7) OKLAHOMA TWISTER is capable of getting into the mix. Race 8 (1,400m) (1) PAUL REVERE was outclassed over 1,200m in stronger company last time. But he will be far more at home over this distance and in this grade, especially with a 4kg claim. (3) CAPE SAFFRON caught the eye with a fast-finishing second on handicap debut over this trip against her own sex. But she rates a serious threat against male rivals, if she can repeat that effort. (2) DYLAN'S CHAMP was disappointing in his last run but ran well before that. He is better off at the weights and looks set to fight out the finish. (5) PEREGRINE FALCON is a well-bred improver, while (7) GOLDEN ASPEN could sneak into the frame if things go her way.
New Paper
23-07-2025
- Sport
- 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
04-06-2025
- General
- New Paper
June 5 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,000m) 8) TOP DIVISION might well be good enough to win on debut. Jockey Gavin Lerena is carded to ride him, so he should be fit and ready for this. (9) MASTER'S LADY ran well on debut but she was at a huge price, which indicates a surprise run from her. (5) BUMPS LAST GRIND changed trainers since some fair runs at Fairview and could be a threat. (1) ALESIAN BEAU has been unreliable but is capable of contesting the finish. Race 2 (1,000m) (7) HAWKSDALE showed promise on her debut in May. Will have more to offer. (1) SUMMER WINTER has shown improvement of late and should fight out the finish. (8) HURRICANE POWER was not disgraced on debut and should show vast improvement. (4) BILINGUAL is consistent and is clearly not out of it. Race 3 (1,450m) (10) WAITING ON CHARLIE looks likely to step up on what she has shown. She has needed her last two runs and looks set for a big performance. (3) MISS TAKES is drawn wide but is not out of it. (4) TRIP TO STATES is battling to win a race but could play a minor role. (6) SASHA LEE can contest the finish again. Race 4 (2,600m) (2) DOUGLAS DRAGON is improving and could have the run of the race from a good draw. (1) TO THE RESCUE is not an easy ride but is quite capable of winning a race like this. (6) MO MENT is much improved and could make all the running in this small field. (7) IDEAL FUTURE is also capable of getting involved. Race 5 (2,000m) (3) LADY NOIR showed what she is capable of with an easy win last time and could have more wins in her tank. (1) TEO TORRIATTE does not always show her best but she has a chance to win a race like this. (2) PATCHES OF GREY has been fair of late and can be very competitive in this line-up. (6) SILVER FLARE did not show her best last time but could surprise. Race 6 (1,600m) (1) KUDZU has to give weight to all his rivals but he has been good of late and is well drawn. (2) ESPINOZA is unbeaten in two starts since being gelded and has been winning his races with authority. (12) OBSIDIAN is improving and should be right there at the finish. (13) SUPER AWESOME is holding form and has a winning chance. Race 7 (1,600m) (1) LADY SABRINA returned from a break in good shape and can go one better this time. (4) UNSOLVED RIDDLE has improved for trainer Grant Maroun and could double up on a good last win. (6) FLAG BEARER is not reliable but is also not out of it. (7) LIBECCIO is unreliable but could contest the finish. Race 8 (1,600m) (2) GREGARIOUS returned from a break in fine form and was an impressive winner. She could have a lot more wins in her. (6) WARNING SOUND was no match for Gregarious last time but can turn the tables if she gets a clear run. (4) FUTURE DATE is consistent but might need this run returning from a break. (3) PLAY WITH FIRE is in good form and has drawn well. Race 9 (1,000m) (8) CAPTAIN SELVIE might prove a bit better than these rivals. She has not done much wrong. (5) LONELY AS A CLOUD has some fair form and should be competitive in this line-up. (3) PHANTOM EXPRESS is well drawn and should fight out the finish. (7) INAFIX remains in good shape and is another to consider.
New Paper
28-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
April 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,300m) Stablemates (1) DYLAN'S CHAMP and (2) HIGHVELD STORM will likely fight out the finish, judging on the consistency of their form. But the riding arrangements suggest the former is the pick of the pair, under an accomplished work rider who has enjoyed success for the yard. The experienced (3) TRIP TO STATES and unexposed (6) NEW LIFE should fill the minors. Race 2 (1,000m) It could pay to follow the progress of 2YO (8) BRIGHT AND BRAZEN should she take her place in this race. Older rivals (2) PANTHERA UNCIA, (3) EMPRESS WU and (4) BILINGUAL have the form and experience to trouble the selection. Race 3 (1,000m) The experienced (1) RINGHO finished hot on the heels of youngster (7) SYLVAN WARRIOR over the track and trip recently, but is not likely to turn the tables on the improving latter. (6) ICONIC WINTER can improve after an eye-catching debut run, so she could pose more of a threat. Watch out for (3) JET QUERARI, who is third-up over this trip. Race 4 (1,600m) (1) ON A JET PLANE ran a fast-finishing second last time and she should play another leading role if she reproduces a similar run. The experienced (3) BELLA BOOP BOOP can make her presence felt, but the improving (6) LAVA LAMP is closely matched with the selection and can probably pose a bigger threat. (8) LADY NOIR just missed the podium in her last two starts and is another likely improver with earning potential. Race 5 (1,600m) (1) ROYAL MIRACLE, (4) MYSTIC VISION and (5) CHIEFTAIN'S SHIELD finished second last time and should have roles to play in the outcome if they can build on that improvement. However, it could pay to follow the progress of the unexposed (9) TWO FOR THE BOYS. His fast-finishing third behind Mystic Vision last time over 1,400m gave the impression this extended trip could be more to his liking. Race 6 (2,000m) (1) ARTIC SILVER finished behind (2) LUNAR RAINBOW over 1,800m earlier this month but was given a more patient ride when staying on well to finish a close-up fourth over 1,700m on this track last time. She can improve at her first go over this extended trip and turn the tables on her rival. (3) JINGER JAM and (4) AMBER EYES are all held by that form, so they will have only minor roles to play. Race 7 (2,000m) (2) HEROIC ACT outran market expectations with a fast-finishing second over this trip last time. He would have come on with that comeback run, so he should be competitive and confirm his superiority over the consistent (4) GIFT OF ROYAL, who has the form and experience to make his presence felt. The latter is also held on recent form by the improving (3) BRIGHAM whose career-best second recently was encouraging. (6) ALAKANANI completes the shortlist. Race 8 (1,300m) (1) SAUDI SWEEP would not be winning out of turn, after finishing second over a similar trip against male oppositions. However, (9) SASHA LEE could make life difficult for the selection if she builds on the improvement at her last start when fitted with a tongue-tie for the first time. (2) LIKE A PRAYER and (8) MADAME POMPADOUR have the form and experience to get into the picture, though they are vulnerable to less-exposed rivals. Newcomer (10) AMERICAN SOCIALITE is worth watching.
