Marching Band to lead the field home

The Vaal River Handicap was over 1800m but the effort by Marching Band to finish fourth over a distance that is on the periphery of his ability was excellent. Clinton Binda’s charge attempted to lead all the way but faded out late to finish a three-length fourth behind Henry Higgins.

The form has already been franked because second-placed Muttiah Pillai came out last Thursday and coasted home by 2.50 lengths. Marching Band was just 0.75 lengths behind Pillai in the Vaal River Handicap.

Marching Band is unquestionably better over 1600m as he proved in his third-last run in which he beat Enchanted Guest by 1.50 lengths. The six-year-old son of Parade Leader runs particularly well for jockey Raymond Danielson who takes the ride again.

He does carry 4kg more than his last start but that is counteracted by the fact that the opposition is weaker.

The main dangers look to be the two bottom weights – Saratoga Magic and Banjo Bay. Saratoga made his debut on the sand last time over 1450m and after leading the field through the 400m mark, he was passed by Flaming Forge who went on to win by 3.50 lengths. That was with a decent first effort by the Alec Laird-trained runner who was conceding 9kg to the winner.

Based on his turf form Saratoga Magic will probably be better over this trip. He carries just 53.5kg and will be ridden by apprentice Julius Mariba.

When Banjo Bay had his first start on the sand in May this year, he raced with a merit rating of 42. He has since had eight runs at the course for two wins and five places and will line up for this event with a rating of 74. Most of that increase came in his last two starts which saw his rating increase from 60 to its current figure.

What is significant is that S’manga Khumalo has ridden him in his last three starts which has resulted in a 1.50-length second behind Wishful Heart of 1450m and two consecutive victories over 1600m, and he is aboard again. That first win was in a maiden plate and his last run was in a MR 68 Handicap, so the Kom Naidoo-trained runner takes a massive jump in class.

This race will be the acid test but he has just 52kg on his back and will have the advantage of jumping from barrier No 1.