Mabaya, Mackbool ready to Sing And Dance
Winner of the challenge gets R20 000
The 2nd Leg of the 20172018 Work Riders’ Challenge will take place on the Vaal inside track today and considering all nine races carded will be for maidens, a profitable pick 6 can be anticipated.
The Challenge is sponsored by Phumelela, the Racing Association and the Racing Trust.
It comprises three meetings and will be run on a point systems very similar to those used for the International Jockeys’ Challenge.
The winner of any race will get 10 points, seven points for second, five point for third and three points for finishing fourth. The jockey with the highest number of points once Leg 3 has concluded will receive a R20 000 bonus.
However, there is also R5 000 paid out to the winners of each leg so there is a lot to play for at the Vaal today. Following an exceptional performance in Leg 1, Goodman Dadamasi currently sits atop the log with 37 points - three clear of Chamu Mabaya on 34.
The latter, however, appears the man to follow today, courtesy of an abundance of promising rides. He rides worthy Pick 6 banker Mackbool in Race 7 over 2000m.
Mike de Kock’s charge failed to justify 13-10 favouritism in his latest effort when beaten 3.30 lengths into fifth by Judd’s Rocket.
In his defence, he had to overcome a wide No 11 draw in a 14-horse field so this time you can expect massive improvement.
Mackbool has much in his favour. He jumps from an advantageous No 1 draw this time, tops the best-weighted column and offers the best form credentials in the field.
For Quartets, banker Mackbool to win with as many others as the budget allows.
The last two races make for a tempting double to take, featuring Sing And Dance in Race 8 and Annie The Great in Race 9.
Dorrie Sham-trained Sing And Dance brings decent Port Elizabeth form to the race and is likely to enjoy 1500m. Her last three runs boast a third and two seconds. She’s progressive and should not be excluded from any bets.
Lucky Houdalakis-trained Annie The Great could be another banker on the day. She set the pace in her latest effort and was outrun in the dying stages, beaten 0.70 lengths by Bell Tower.
All is in the her favour today, and if you’re looking to lighten up in your Place Accumulator, she should see you through.