Queen won’t Mill around
THREE hot Highveld fillies will renew their rivalry today at Turffontein when they line up in Race 6, a Progress Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m.
Mill Queen, Magic School and Wisteria Walk have come up against one another on a number of occasions, most recently in the Grade 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m.
That race was on 27 June at Turffontein, and while Mill Queen was given a shot at the Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes for fillies and mares on July Day, her two rivals were given a break before the start of the summer Season on the Highveld.
Considering that we are exactly halfway through September, all three have had a very good rest.
Mill Queen was the quicker of the three in the Empress Club Stakes, but on that day she had the benefit of jumping from gate 1, while Wisteria Walk (gate 9) and Magic School (gate 11) had to take the scenic route when the gates crashed open.
The three also carried the same weight that day.
Today, Mill Queen is drawn 7, with both Wisteria Walk (6) and Magic School (1) getting the benefit of starting on her inside.
Trained by David Nieuwenhuizen, Mill Queen will also carry 61kg today, compared to her rivals’ 58.
With all that said, Mill Queen still looks the horse to beat, having won three of nine career starts. Victory today could see career earnings jump to just short of half a million rand. Punters, however, won’t be making that much as bookmakers were offering 19-10 and less on Nieuwenhuizen’s runner.
The race meeting starts at 13:00 with the running of a Work Riders Maiden Plate over 1200m and there are nine races on the card.
To take a bet, go to www. tabonline.co.za.