A trio of maidens will be closely scrutinised on Thursday 7 December at the Vaal as they have attracted quite a lot of money in their short careers, but have failed to deliver.
For many of their followers, Thursday’s outing might just be considered a trip to the last chance saloon.
In the card opener, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m, Courageous should go one better than the pair of runner-up finishes she notched up in her last two. She has had ten career runs to date, but her last two efforts were by far her best.
Trained by Candice Dawson, this daughter of Canford Cliffs was beaten less than a length by the highly progressive Witblits in her penultimate and must surely have the ability to beat a rather mediocre field this time round.
In Race 2, also over 1450m, Policy Of Truth needs to justify jumping at odds of 17-10 and 13-10 in two of his last three runs. Those short odds are undeniable proof that his performances have been way below expectation, so Roy Magner’s charge will have to come to the party in his second run after a rest and gelding.
The only problem is that the distance might not be ideal for Policy Of Truth, while it does seem to be perfect for the St John Gray-trained Eiger Sanction.
Azaleas For All, who lines up in Race 3 over 1800m with ten other maiden fillies, has been the bridesmaid in her last three outings, and deserves to finally be the bride.
This daughter of Captain Of All went off at 3-10 last time when attempting 2400m.
Trainer Fanie Bronkhorst has tested her over distances ranging from 1200m to 2400, but 1800m seems to be her best.
From a good draw, again, and with Muzi Yeni up, again, she surely can’t fail again.
Later in the day, Eiffel Tower looks set to record a fourth career win from just seven attempts.
He faces some formidable foes in Race 6, a MR95 Handicap for three-year-olds.
This son of Potala Palace was beaten 3.2-lengths by re-opposing House Of Romanov in his penultimate, and with hardly a change in weights one would assume that the latter would confirm the form.
However, House of Romanov has not run since while Eiffel Tower impressed when contesting a Class A event in his run since that meeting. Based on that improvement, Eiffel Tower should have no problem turning the tables on House Of Romanov.
Clive Robinson
