Runners, Vaal Thursday

Mike and Mathew de Kock could provide a Pick 6 banker in the opening leg of the bet on the classic track at the Vaal this afternoon. The Lucky Fish ambassadors send out Rafeef’s son, Top Floor, who stands out in Race 4, a weak-looking Maiden over 1600m.

Mat said: “He ran a lovely race first-up after a long rest. He seems to have taken that race well. Ideally, he’s going to be better over 2000m and more. But we decided, after his lengthy layoff, to give him another race over 1600m. He is beautifully drawn in pole position after the scratchings and has a big chance.”

Proud Mary (Vercingetorix) makes her debut in Race 1 over 1200m. She’s a half-sister to sprint star Thunderstruck from a family of early winners, but the stable will be happy with a minor placing for her, first time out. “Her work is okay, but she’ll probably need the run and he experience. She will improve a lot from this outing.”

Councillor has a handy weight in Race 8 over 2000m, but she comes off a rest and is not expected to win. Mat commented: “She’s having her prep run for next week’s Oaks Trial. She looks great, but is not at peak match fitness and some of her rivals look a bit strong. One to watch, she’ll progress nicely for next week.”