Dorrie Sham holds the key

Punters wanting to build a float for the exotic bets can start off by backing Sham-trained Captain Siderius in Race 3, a MR 72 Handicap over 2200m. A step up in trip and a rise in class should not stop Captain Siderius from following up on an impressive win in his Flamingo Park debut last time out.

Smaller Pick 6 players might look to banker Captivator in Race 6, a MR 66 Handicap over 1400m. He showed a liking for this track when slamming Que Sera Sera by 6.25 lengths two weeks ago, when having his first run for the Sham yard and making his Flamingo Park debut. He is drawn very badly, though.

Kingofmountain had Killua Castle (an easy winner at the Vaal last week) behind him when third to Uncle Tommy in the Flamingo Mile two runs back and suffered interference last time out, when third behind Code Red. He looks hard to oppose in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m, and can safely be bankered in all exotics.

Race 9 looks difficult but the two horses who could fight out the finish are Star Voyager and Hail The Wind. Six-year-old Star Voyager has not been at her best recently but those races were in stronger company and she has won three times over this course and distance. She will be Martinus Mienie’s only ride at the meeting.

Hail The Wind is trying the sand for the first time but her turf form is fair and she deserves utmost respect.