Faithful Neo can bring it home

TWO MR 86 handicaps for fillies and mares are the highest rated races at today's seven race Vaal meeting in which high draws should be favourable down the straight with the outside rail at zero.

- DAVID THISELTON

The PA and Bipot start in the first race and the Pick 6 starts in race two, while the Jackpot and second Jackpot start in race three and race four respectively.

In the first of the MR 86 handicaps Faithful Neo romped home by 4,75 lengths over this trip in a Classified Stakes race last time and could follow up, although on the downside she has a low draw and she has to overcome a six point raise.

Global Thunder looks to be the main danger and will be a big runner as she has consistent form and her recent form has worked out well.

Neerah

Neerah was a touch disappointing last time, but did drift out in the betting that day and that was her first run after a four month layoff.

She should strip fitter now and the form of her two wins before that puts her in contention. Those are the three that make most appeal.

The second of the MR86 handicaps is over 1800 metres and Cartagena could be the one to beat. She disappointed in her last two starts over 2400m, but won her previous two attempts at middle distances and looks to be a mare who is on the up.

She has a fair draw of 5 out of 11 and the form of her win over this course and distance in May has worked out reasonably well. Pretty Analia is capable of running on well and as she has a good draw she should be in a position to strike at the business end.