Red light won’t stop Tarry runner at the Vaal

Trainers Sean Tarry and Alec Laird could provide bettors with two bankers on tomorrow’s Vaal card.

The first comes up in Race 2 where Tarry saddles talented Put on the red light in a Graduation Plate over the straight 1400m.

The son of Pomodoro proved no match for Pack Leader last time but the drop to 1400m from 1600m should be ideal. He has won at the course so that will not be a problem. His second win was over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside track where he beat Riverstown by 0.50 lengths.

Apprentice Luke Ferraris takes the ride.

He is not the best handicapped runner. That goes to Candice Dawsontrained Indy Go, who did not produce his best form last time. But Gavin Lerena reported he felt something amiss with Indy Go.

The blinkers have been removed for this race, but one does get the feeling Indy Go would be better over 200m further. Lerena rides again.

Tarry also runs Rock The Globe who has ability and needed his last run. He rates a danger with Lyle Hewitson up.

The only other runner with claims is Quattro Passi from the Chris Erasmus stable. Piere Strydom rides but his mount is very badly weighted for this event.

There was a lot to like about the manner in which Fantastical from the Laird stable won on debut and the daughter of Futura looks set to double up when she runs in Race 8, a MR 72 Handicap for fillies and mares over the straight 1600m.

She lacked support on debut and the jury is out on the strength of those behind her as no winners have come from that form line. However, she looks to have plenty more to come.

Laird knows the family very well as he trained the mare, Magic Penny, who was top class.

Fantastical does have to give weight all round but that is unlikely to stop her.

S’manga Khumalo takes the ride again.

Both St John Gray’s Bitter Wind and Lucky Houdalakis-trained Twice The Act come off maiden wins but have scope for improvement and could make a race of it.