Daphne Du Maurier tells the story

THERE is only one thing worse than going out of the Pick 6 in the first leg, and that’s going out in the last leg.

The good news for punters is that Daphne Du Maurier looks a solid-asthey-come banker in the opening leg of the Pick 6 today at the Vaal.

And trainer Fabian Habib says he’ll be very disappointed if she doesn’t win this Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1 800m.

On paper this Ideal World filly looks unbeatable.

“She’s obviously in form,” said Habib yesterday. “Her last run was good and there’s been a winner out of that form line.

“She’s fit, she’s well. Obviously

she’s got a bit of a deep draw, but I’ll be honest, I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t win.”

Daphne Du Maurier has indeed been a touch unlucky with draws, having already twice jumped from a gate with a double-digit number and today she will be doing so for a third time.

“She’s never cracked the greatest of draws,” said Habib, “but she’s nevertheless got the form to win it.”

Race 9, a MR 72 Handicap over 1 450m and the last leg of the Pick 6, seems a much trickier affair.

While Theravada is drawing all the early money, it would be foolish for punters not to include the Habib-trained Top Line.

Fresh out the maidens, this Toreador gelding is now looking to build on his first victory 24 days ago and does so over a slightly longer distance.

“It’s not that easy, the first run out the maidens. We’ll have to see how he goes,” said Habib.

“I’d have preferred it if it was down the straight because he won his maiden down the straight.

“It’s a competitive field, but he does have a decent draw, so he should be in the places at least. He should get the extra 250 meters.” –

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