Strong forecast of Winds Of Change

THE Turffontein Standside meeting ion Saturday has nine races and is headlined by a Graduation Plate over 1000m and a MR 101 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1160m.

- DAVID THISELTON

The Graduation Plate is the first race and the Mike Azzie-trained Winds Of Change is 6,5kg better in at the weights than any other horse according to official merit ratings. He should have come on from his last when a close up third and although drawn on the wrong side by trends he has Gavin Lerena up and the draw should be manageable in this small field.

Trajanus is officially 12,5kg under sufferance with Winds Of Change, but is very quick and looks to be on the up. African Pride was a touch disappointing last Saturday over this course and distance in the Sophmore 1000, but is now drawn on the right side and could do better considering his narrow third in the Listed Golden Loom over this course and distance. Kaalvoet had some reasonable form in Cape Town behind the like of Good For You and The US Of A, but he finished last in the Sophomore 1000 last Saturday also needs to bounce back. Chapbook has shown some ability and could earn from the favourable standside draw.

I'm A Fireball

I'm A Fireball is the second best in at the weights and can boast a 1,95 length sixth in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion last season. He wasn't disgraced in his reappearance last time out over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Greyville and is a player if able to overcome the number one draw. That leaves Clever Trevor who has a tough task at the weights but could still improve.