Isphan to defy his age at the Vaal

He has raced 81 times for nine wins and 23 places.

Isphan may be a month away from turning nine years old, but the gelding has lost none of his zest for racing.

He has raced 81 times for nine wins and 23 places, and seven of his victories have come over 1000m.

He has been around a bit, even racing in Port Elizabeth for a while, but in his old age the son of Tiger Ridge is now settled down with Roy Magner. He has done well in the almost two years he has been with the yard and looks certain to give another honest performance when lining up for Race 8 at the Vaal today, a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m.

Isphan has raced since the lockdown break and put up an excellent performance when finishing a 1.70-length third behind Battleoftrafalgar. That was an excellent effort, backed up by the fact two winners have already come from the 11 June form line, including the Mike de Kock-trained winner, who went on to score well in his next start.

Capable apprentice Cole Dicken has ridden Isphan twice, once before the lockdown and then immediately afterwards, and has finished third on both occasions. He also takes 2.5kg off the back of his mount.

Runners from the Sean Tarry stable always need to be taken into the calculations and that is the case with Precious Stone. This three-yearold son of Seventh Rock has been lightly raced and has notched up one victory in five starts.

Others to consider are Benji and Singfonico.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Royal Escapade, 10 Koura, 12 Rise And Rule, 1 Quattro Passi

Race 2: 1 St Joseph's Lily, 8 She's A Cracker, 10 Golden Years, 3 Samoa

Race 3: 1 Birdwatcher, 2 Zodiac Princess, 5 Last Cheer, 4 Deebaa

Race 4: 8 Torben Spirit, 9 Rampage, 3 Willo'Thewisp, 7 Fast Draw

Race 5: 5 Mind Reader, 4 Glowtoria, 10 Colour Of Light, 9 Dark Song

Race 6: 1 Anne Boleyn, 2 Madame Patrice, 4 Upcloseandpersonal, 5 Malteza

Race 7: 9 Lady Of Liberty, 1 Che Bella, 6 Frosted Steel, 5 Gallic Princess

Race 8: 7 Isphan, 9 Precious Stone, 1 Benji, 3 Singfonico

Race 9: 5 Towards The Sun, 4 Captain Hindsight, 12 Gemcutter, 3 Pillaroftheearth