Spies duo to fight out second Pinnacle Stakes. 

They both look quite straightforward and punters would be well advised to rely on the possible good bets in these two races for their exotics as the balance of the card looks quite thorny.

The first is for fillies and mares and comes up in Race 3 and Be Mine Tonight looks a banker in both the BiPot and Place Accumulator. Her record over the course and distance in fillies’ company is exemplary as she is two for two. Both wins were facile, beating Santa Clarita by 4.50 lengths in the first victory and then blowing away Silent Force by 3.25 lengths.

Her only loss on the sand was against the colts in which she went down 10.25 lengths to Shadow Line, who, after that race, was being talked about as an Emerald Cup contender.

On paper Be Mine Tonight is not the best handicapped runner – that honour goes to Tomorrow’s Miss – but based on a line through Silent Force, Dominic Zaki’s runner should have the edge.   Be Mine Tonight is drawn No 5 and has the services of S’manga Khumalo.

Royal Trip finished unplaced on the turf last Saturday but Stanley Ferreira’s charge should be a different proposition back on the sand. She jumps from No 1 draw and has Muzi Yeni on her back and should Be Mine Tonight miss a beat then the daughter of Trippi should be there to pick it up.

Race 5 sees stablemates Tommy Gun and All The Bids clash again and this time the former should be able to get his revenge.  Tommy Gun was unbeaten at the course until trainer Corne Spies tried him over 1600m. The four-year-old gelding just failed to see it out and faded late, finishing fourth, 5.50 lengths behind All The Bids.

Tommy Gun won the Grade 2 Emerald Cup over this course and distance and was allowed to gallop freely up front over a distance in which he had proven himself. However, over 1600m Fanie Chambers played a more conservative game, trying to get his mount to stay the additional 150m. That allowed All The Bids and Piere Strydom to have a soft lead and that suited the son of Daring Bid.

Back over his favourite distance Tommy Gun should be able to reverse the placings, despite the fact they are running at the same weight differential as last time.

If the Spies coupling are to be beaten then it could be left up to Samogan. They will have to be cautious not to let Sean Tarry’s charge get away from them as he might not be easy to catch.