In-form Thunee Playa looks like a hot ticket for Betway Summer Cup

Race 1 (1,160m)

The well-related (9) TEMPRANILLO was heavily backed when finishing second on debut. She will be hard to beat with that experience to count on, natural improvement expected and the benefit of a sex allowance.

(2) SEED SEEKER has the form and experience to challenge the young filly.

Any market support for newcomer (7) SPEEDMAN must be taken seriously.

(4) HAMMER BLOW can complete the shortlist.

Race 2 (1,160m)

(7) HATHIGHWAYTOTHESKY attracted outside betting support when finishing second over a similar trip last time. Needs only to confirm that improvement to play a leading role, especially with the benefit of her rider’s 4kg claim.

(3) INSPIRATION and (8) MARIA LA GORDA are closely matched on that form but worse off on the revised weight terms.

(5) BRIGITTE ANNE has also shown enough to contest the finish.

Race 3 (1,400m)

(1) MILAN’S WORLD caught the eye when a fast-finishing second over 1,200m, following a lengthy absence. He would have blown away the cobwebs with that comeback run and should strip fitter, so could improve to fight out the finish over this extended trip.

(7) TASKMASTER also made an encouraging reappearance and remains open to improvement, so he should play a leading role too.

The well-related newcomer (6) DAWSON’S ANVIL will not need to be special to have a say in this, and the market should provide a guide to his chances on debut.

(9) Total Eruption is not to be ignored.

Race 4 (1,160m)

(1) BUFFALO STORM CODY impressed when winning over track and trip on his seasonal reappearance. He would have benefited from that comeback outing, so is hard to oppose, despite a two-point hike.

(2) WILLIAM ROBERTSON is also course-and-distance suited and, as the joint best-weighted runner, should keep the selection honest.

(3) GREATERIX and (5 ) CHYAVANA have a bit to find on recent form and at the weights, but both are capable of earning cheques.

Race 5 (1,000m)

The speedy (1) ALMOND SEA has maintained a good level of form and consistency up to 1,160m, but the return to this shorter trip should suit. So she could be hard to peg back, even from an inside gate under 61kg.

(5) ALPINE JET is unbeaten over 1,000m and remains open to improvement, especially in receipt of 9kg from the selection.

(2) WHISTLE THE TUNE was last seen in a 1,200m Grade 1 against male rivals. So is not taken lightly on her reappearance against female-only opposition.

Eastern Cape raider (6) INSTAWORTHY appeals most of the remainder.

Race 6 (1,600m)

Many with chances in this Listed contest.

(11) SUKHUMVIT and (7) GERBERA made encouraging reappearances in a 1,450m event. Both would have come on since and will appreciate this longer distance.

KZN raider (2) MOCHA BLEND fits a similar profile after an eye-catching 1,600m (Polytrack) comeback. This extended trip will be more to her liking.

The last-start winner (1) KISSHOTEN races off a career-high rating but should remain competitive.

Race 7 (1,800m)

Last chance saloon for several Betway Summer Cup hopefuls lining up in this race.

(8) THUNEE PLAYA showed his form and well-being when winning over 2,000m a fortnight ago. Will likely secure his place in the Grade 1 showpiece on Nov 29 with another forward showing in this Grade 3.

The joint best-weighted (7) MONEY HEIST, KZN raiders (6) FIELD MARSHAL and stablemate (5) SHOOT THE RAPIDS (Cup entry) have the means to fight for top honours.

Race 8 (1,800m)

(3) PIONEER SQUARE won a minor KZN feature off a career-high mark from the widest draw. So the two-point penalty for that front-running success could prove lenient, and his rider’s 1.5kg claim aids his cause.

(4) ALADDIN’S LAMP and (1) TAEGAN’S CHAMP lost little in defeat last time, and they should have big roles to play with improvement expected to come from both.

Last-start scorer (5) BIRTHRIGHT ought to be competitive, too.

Race 9 (1,600m)

It could well pay to side with the promising 3YO (10) BUDDY BOY on his Highveld debut. He has more scope for improvement and will appreciate the Standside track’s longer run-in.

(9) IMPACT INVESTOR would not be winning out of turn after finishing second for the fourth time in five starts last month. Keep safe.

(8) THE PLAYBOY BOMBER and stablemate  (3) DARK SILVER are closely matched on recent form and both will likely have a say in the outcome if building on encouraging comeback efforts.