Zanthar can be the hero

THE outside rail is in by ten metres in ithe races down the straight at the Vaal meeting today and there is a ten metre spur at the 600m mark and this structure has favoured low draws in the past, although recently it has been more favourable to the low numbers when the rail is in by 14m, so at 10m the first two races need to be monitored before a draw bias can be said to be present.

- DAVID THISELTON

The highest rated race is a MR 90 Handicap over 1500m and Zanthar is an interesting runner here as he has a possibly favourable low draw and has not only come down to a competitive merit rating but also has inform 2,5kg claimer Girish Samo-Burthia aboard. Last time out over 1200m at Turffontein Inside he was caught a touch wide and was beaten a respectable 4,30 lengths by the promising three-year-old Miami Mountain with Graded performers Charming Cheetah, Zalatoris and Aristotle splitting them. He should have come on from that run and will appreciate the step up in trip.

Azzie

If the high draws turn out to not be unfavourable then Zanthar's Mike Azzie-trained stablemate Deception Pass could be in the mix if repeating his last start when beaten just a neck by Palace Prince over 1450m, although this Ideal World gelding is none too reliable.

Jordan would prefer further but has some class and was not disgraced over 1600m last time. This is also his second run of the season, so he should have come on from that last run and he has a potentially favourable number one draw.

The topweight Presley comes off a good run over 1400m and two winners have come out of that race already. He has a high draw but Gavin Lerena is up and will give him every chance. Dylan's Champ is in good form and is distance suited and drawn in the middle, so should be in the shake up.

Wayne