Man On The Spot best bets for Vaal on Thursday

11.15

ZULUONMYSTEP hasn’t been beaten far in a couple of runs here and looks a late developer. He’s had a couple of months off so should be fresher than most. Duke Of Abercorn should be thereabouts if forgiven a poor run last time at Turffontein while Great Esteem left previous form behind when second to Bellagio King in a maiden handicap here last month. Pacific Dream and Sun Giant are likely improvers.

11.50

Magogo made a winning debut at Turffontein, beating the more-experienced Mynage with Cloth Of Ice four lengths adrift in sixth. St John Gray’s filly meets that pair on worse terms today, however, so will need to find more to confirm the form. AFTERNOON TEA is also penalised having got off the mark last Saturday but the fact that she makes a quick reappearance suggests she’s the type that thrives on racing. Zernez’s limitations have been exposed since he made a winning start at Flamingo Park and Kokeshi probably has more scope.

12.30

Fire And Ice had been knocking on the door prior to opening his account at Turffontein last month. His form is far superior to that of Flamingo Park winner Luke Moonwalker but the interesting one may be newcomer BLUE MOON CITY. Paul Peter’s two-year-olds are usually worth a second look here and the Marchfield gelding is out of a mare that had winning form at a decent level. Back To Black also has a nice pedigree while Siren Of Greece is sure to be popular having placed twice at Turffontein. The Eighth Lord is starting to look a little exposed, however.

13.10

GREY STREET ran easily his best race so far over this trip at the track 15 days ago. He is thoroughly exposed but so are the majority of his rivals and Stephen Moffatt’s four-year-old can finally get his head in front at the chief expense of Abdul, who has gone close the last twice but is trying a new trip today and probably won’t be much of a price. Capjack has been progressing with experience and has place claims in a race like this but stamina is likely to be an issue for Kool Baikal.

13.45

This looks a good opportunity for AFRICAN ADVENTURE. Eased in grade, Joe Soma’s entire is a model of consistency. A further drop in distance and a high draw are slight concerns but he won’t be far away if Gavin Lerena can get him in a good position before the bend. Kings Cup is another who rarely runs a bad race. His only previous victory came on this track so he rates a danger, though is also drawn wide. First reserve Latin Opus would be interesting of getting a run and Rockstar Child could run well at a price from near the foot of the weights. Theravada and Highlander look the pick of the remainder.

14.20

Course and distance winner Jive Express appears to have the beating of Moroccan Flame on the form book. But it’s interesting to see blinkers on TAHITIAN ORANA (NAP) for the first time. Ashley Fortune’s three-year-old didn’t quite see out 1m2f in a Listed race at Turffontein 10 days ago but she’d won nicely over a mile here earlier when good yardstick Tombola was only sixth. Green Dragon ran well here last month following a break and should strip fitter today and Heart Of A Legend shouldn’t be far away if lasting home. A similar comment applies to Now You See Me as she usually attracts market support.

14.55

Waqaas has only won once this season but he has a terrific record here and it will be a surprise if he’s not in the shake-up again. AKWAAN runs in the familiar Hamdan Al Maktoum colours and is trained by Mike De Kock. In his first run since been gelded, the Aussie-bred three-year-old strolled to victory here last month and could be one to follow when racing resumes. Street Flyer’s run on sand last time is easily ignored and he has place claims on previous form, though isn’t getting any younger and his trainer also runs War Jewel and Private Ruler. Podcast usually runs well without being quite good enough but this looks a big ask for surprise Turffontein maiden winner Father Time.

15.30

St John Gray is not making it easy for punters in this last race before the enforced shutdown. He has a trio of entries and two look to have decent claims. Grindelwald will probably the one that attracts most market support having secured a second career victory at Turffontein earlier this month. But we might give another chance to UNDISCLOSED, who didn’t get the run of the race when favourite at Turffontein a week ago. He can reverse that form with Bridge Of Spies as he’d looked progressive earlier. Strikeitlikeamatch could figure if on a going day but Roger The Dodger may not be suited by the step up in distance. With two withdrawals, Baahir gets a run and could be best of the rest.