Obsidian to rock the Highveld

A MR100 Handicap over 1600m and a MR99 Handicap over 1600m for fillies and mares are the highlights of the Vaal Classic track meeting today.

- DAVID THISELTON

In the MR100 handicap Obsidian is a horse who is on the up and he can continue to progress above his current 91 merit rating. He has won three out of his last four starts and this is an ideal trip.

He won his last start from a tricky draw of eight on the Turffontein Standside course and he now has a better draw of three which should allow him to get into his favoured handy position with cover and he looks the one to beat despite having to overcome a four point merit rating raise.

Jury’s Out

Jury's Out has plenty of class and the form of his last run over 1600m when third to the classy Bacchus has worked out quite well. He does have a tough draw to overcome though. Mount Darwin is capable of finishing strongly from a handy position and he should be able to get into a handy position from pole position.

This looks to be an ideal trip for him too and Kabelo Matsunyane rides him for the third time in succession. Ikigai is a former Gauteng Guineas winner, so has the class to be involved here off a 91 merit rating. He has become unreliable, but Craig Zackey is up and will give him every chance. Master Christmas ran well last time at Hollywoodbets Greyville over this trip and with inform Chad Little aboard, he could overcome a tricky draw. Soldier's Eye is distance suited and should have a chance here from draw two.

In the fillies and Mares 99 handicap Accept Cookies is a decent sort and she will enjoy the step back down to 1600m, so should go close from draw two.

Avoontoast has ability and has finished close the last two times she has tried this trip, so she should be involved from a good draw of three.