Saint Marco is poised to strike

Former KwaZulu-Natal five-time winner Saint Marco has a good chance to strike first time out for trainer Stephanie Miller at Flamingo Park today when teamed up with Ryan Munger in Race 7, the R110,000 Flamingo Park Handicap over 1800m.

This feature event is Leg 4 of the Pick 6 which starts with a Carryover of R100,000 and is estimated to reach a pool of R500,000.

The five-year-old showed smart form at Scottsville where he was a gutsy close winner over 1950m and 1600m.

He was unplaced in his subsequent outing when taking a major step up in class and contesting the 1750m Michael Roberts Handicap (Listed), but was not disgraced as he ran on from near last to finish just over two lengths off the winner.

This gelding will be tough to beat this time when carrying a handy galloping weight of 54kg and competing against slightly weaker opposition. His main rival is stablemate Two Gunsy who will be bidding for his fourth consecutive win – the last two of which were with Munger aboard.

In with place chances are First Sea Lord, Sea Bean, Beachmaster and Lebeoana.

Punters have an opportunity to get away to a profitable start by following Tienie Prinsloo-trained Northern Tower (Wes Marwing) who looks a standout bet in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1200m.

This three-year-old comes off a promising debut when ridden by Marwing and a fast-finishing 1.3-length second from a wide draw over 1000m.

The gelding should go one better this time when stepping up the distance and having the advantage of the best draw.

Joe’s Joy, Delta Knight, Victorious Rochele and newcomer Turnberry are next best and should be used with Northern Tower as a banker in Trifecta and Quartet bets.