Cosmic Speed should be hard to catch

Dragon isa consistent sort who isdistance suited and carrying 52kg he is only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner. However, he does have a wide draw of eight to overcome. Hotarubi has plenty of ability but his attitude is in question and he cannot be relied on. However, if he is going to have an on day he does have a good opportunity here from a good draw over a suitable distance.

- DAVID THISELTON

THE Vaal straight course will have the standside rail brought in by ten metres, so the low number draws should have at least as much chance as the high numbers in the races down the straight and might be advantageous.

The headliner of the meeting is a Conditions Plate over 1400m and the Gr 1 winner Cosmic Speed is the one to beat. This will be his seasonal reappearance after a layoff of over five months, but the trip should be ideal for this miler who has also won a Gr 2 over 1400m and he is well treated at the weights.

His Sean Tarry-trained stablemate Shadowfax is officially way out at the weights but is a promising sort who can bounce back from his disappointing run last time. Texas Red is ideally distance suited and if producing his best could earn, although he is 9,5kg under sufferance with Cosmic Speed. Those three should get punters through.