UNITED COUNCIL impressed with a wide-margin course-and-distance victory last time and a 6-point penalty isn't likely to prevent another competitive showing. Consistent EXPLOSIVE BOND is distance-suited but is held by that rival (1kg worse off). Preference, however, is for best-weighted MY SOUL MATE who was 2nd on this course over 2450m in the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks as a 3yo and 4th in the Grade 2 KZN Oaks over this distance last season. LITTLEMARYSUNSHINE and FLAMBOYANT FLYER venture beyond 2000m for the first time but could improve stretching out to this trip.
by Simon Madiot