12:25 turffontein Thursday 1st January 2026

GRAND EMPIRE (6) was a most impressive winner last time out over 7f at Vaal, putting 2. 2. 5 lengths on his nearest rival. Down in the weights this time. Should park just off the speed. Sure to be in the finish. PIONEER SQUARE (2) was a gutsy winner in a then finished sixth over 1m1f at this track on November 9. Likely to push forward and race on the pace. Best figures should see him run well. MAX THE MAGICIAN (1) finished 2. 5 lengths away in fourth last time out over 7f at Vaal five-and-a-half weeks ago. Steps up in journey. Gavin Lerena has scored on him two times and is back in the saddle. One of the main contenders. KUDZU (7) produced another moderate effort last start when 5. 5 lengths from the winner in sixth over 1m1f at Turffontein Inside. Better than recent efforts suggest.