Khan’s mount backed

The return of five-time champion jockey Mark Khan at Turffontein today has sparked a lot of attention but it could a winning comeback if the betting proves an accurate guide.

Khan is carded to ride All Eyes On You in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for three-year-old fillies over 1000m on the Standside track, and the Paul Matchett-trained filly has attracted some strong betting support. There was 10-1 available when the betting opened but she shortened first to 4-1 and at the time of writing was on offer at 28-10.

Khan also looks to have a chance of winning Race 4 where he rides Effortless for Gary Alexander. It does look a two-horse race with Diva Faustina the other contender. Both have been priced up at 11-10.

There seem to be a number of hot favourites on the card, starting in Race 1 where Riding Shotgun has been priced up a 7-20 favourite. He was touched off last time by Broadway Trip but that form line became very impressive when Alec Laird’s charged he ran out an easy winner of the Bloodstock South Africa Million at Scottsville. Gavin Lerena takes the ride. Race 3 could also be a two-horse race as Ekuseni and Stay With Me dominate the betting. Ekuseni is at 12-10 with Stay With Me on offer at 18-10.

Third favourite is Mike de Kock-trained Innovation but the son of Greys Inn is unraced and is priced up at 6-1.

Race 5 is a similar situation due to the scratching of Soldier On. De Kock-trained Like A Panther is at 5-10 with Mike and Adam Azzietrained Llandudno at 18-10.

The best bet on the card according to most pundits is Cashel Palace in Race 6 who is on offer at 5-10. She was well supported on debut but her saddle slipped and she still managed to run third, beaten 2.75 lengths by Perfidia. With the experience under her belt she can only improve.

Another runner backed Var debutante Varsity Girl in Race 7. She opened at 5-1 and is now trading at 2-1.