March 26 South Africa (Vaal) preview
Go with class dropper Scarlett Heart
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Race 1 (1,000m)
(1) EXPERT WITNESS and (2) GIMME SOME LUCK appeal among most of the first-timers, and the market could speak volumes of their chances on debut.
(3) MIDNIGHT SHOW was well beaten on debut, but they would have benefited from that experience and could have more to offer.
(4) RED VIKING is the other to note. Watch the betting.
Race 2 (1,000m)
(4) LANZAROTE acquitted herself well in a Listed feature against winners last time. She would not need to improve much, if at all, to open her account.
(3) LADY HARLEQUIN and (9) VERDANDI make appeal on pedigree, so they warrant respect.
(1) HOC EST VITA improved with experience and could get into the picture with further progress.
Race 3 (1,450m)
(1) THE REASON has finished second in two of her last three starts. Huge chance.
(3) LANTERI, (6) AMAZE ME and (2) ONCEINABLUEMOON have shown enough to pose a threat to the selection.
Race 4 (1,450m)
(10) NIGHT SKIZZLE caught the eye on debut when staying on to finish ahead of (2) SHOREYBOMBA and, with natural improvement, should confirm that form.
(1) BEACH WALKER and (6) ARIZONA MAGIC finished second in their most recent outings and need only to repeat those performances to have a say in the outcome.
Race 5 (2,400m)
(4) EUPHRATES was outclassed in a Listed feature last time but will be more competitive in these calmer waters, especially over a track and trip that suits.
Veteran (1) ARLINTON ACTION has the means to make his presence felt too.
Last-start winner (6) CASUS BELLI remains competitive off his revised mark.
(5) MILITARY MOVES fits a similar profile, but a wide draw does his chances no favours.
Race 6 (1,800m)
(1) SCARLETT HEART copped a hefty 17-point penalty for finishing third in a 3YO Fillies Grade 1 over this trip last time. She concedes weight to all as a result, but a repeat of that performance should suffice.
(5) WOMAN’S WORLD and (8) WARNING SOUND are closely matched on the form of a recent Listed meeting over 1,600m. They could be more effective over this extended trip.
Last-start winner (9) KISSING MACHINE retains form and remains competitive.
Race 7 (1,800m)
Many with chances in a big field, but the value could lie with (1) DARK SILVER, whose comeback third over 1,600m was encouraging. He would have benefited from that outing and will be more at home over this extended trip.
Last-start course-and-distance winners (3) SKY PILLAR ROCK and (5) STORM AHEAD remain competitive under resultant penalties, as does 3YO class dropper (12) ROYAL ENGAGEMENT.
Race 8 (1,800m)
(1) AZALEAS FOR ALL has remained consistent at a higher level, so this drop in class off a slightly reduced mark could help her recapture the winning thread.
Lightly raced last-start winner (4) FALCONFLY should have a role to play despite a seven-point rating rise.
(3) SPECIAL STAR should also be more competitive after being eased in grade.
(7) SIKELOI will appreciate stretching out to this trip for the first time.


