Apprentice jockey Mxolisi Mbuto could be the key to value bets at Turffontein on Thursday 13 February.
Mbuto’s first ride on the day aboard Todoque in Race 4, an MR88 handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m, could be his best.
The Paul Matchett inmate was eye-catching flying up late to finish 1.10-lengths behind Oh My Gucci Girl over 1450m recently. Had the race been a few metres longer, it would have taken a brave man to bet against her winning.
She is leaping in distance, though, and One Religion as well as improving Greenhouse set a fair standard recently.
Tintamarre, another of Mbuto’s rides, may be even easier to back in Race 5, an MR74 handicap over 1600m. The gelded son of Fire Away has yet to finish close up since winning his maiden. But form can be deceptive – he is lightly raced and looks to have had his issues.
Further, it must be remembered that Alec Laird’s charge beat Moonlight Trader by an unfaltering 3.0 lengths in the maidens.
Moonlight Trader went on to win the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes, but Tintamarre seems to have met some more high-flying sorts in some of his comeback races too. This time he takes a dramatic drop in class and this is the first time he races over more ground, which could be ideal as he is from a classic female line.
Mbuto has the advantage of a good draws with both Todoque and Tintamarre.
Riding There She Goes in race 8, from a wide draw, the advantage is that she has dropped considerably in ratings, but has decent form. The jockey’s 4kg claim is another plus.
The best bet on the day is without a doubt Desert Cloud, who has already beaten consistent and overdue Panthera Uncia and has scope for further improvement. She only needs to take to the track to make the card opener her own.
Sean Tarry also has some up-and-coming runners. Tana Maree (race 2) and hat-trick seeking Green Sapphire (race 7) have plenty going for them.
Beynac and Immediate Edge could be provide the duel of the day in Race 3.
Clive Robinson
