held up, never troubled leaders
outpaced early, kept on final furlong, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced halfway, rallied and stayed on again approaching final furlong, never nearer
never on terms
with leader, led 3f out, ridden clear 1f out, driven out, all out
led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out
raced keen tracking leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, hung right and wide over 4f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on
towards rear, ridden and kept on final furlong, never nearer
The key here is not to get too heavily involved financially, with some many questions about those involved. Social Contract was the winner of a muddling race over course and distance last time. He has been dropped 1lb after that win, but the form looks far from solid and with punters probably deceived by that win into backing him for a follow up, we will oppose him. Instead our alternative is the consistent Chorus, who lives both course and distance here and ran well enough on slow going on his most recent outing. Rod Millman's gelding has won off his current mark of 47 in the past and with that plus his solid recent form in mind he is taken to score here. Dil has been a grand campaigner for Norma Macauley and scored over c & d last month before a hike up the handicap put paid to his last two efforts. Back off a mark of 63, we should see him run a good race and he can give the selection plenty to do. Quiet Times looks to held at the moment, and of the others Hout Bay look most interesting. Off a mark of 57 he too can be a force provided he is fit enough after a winter break, though his preference for faster ground does not augur well here.
