Hewitson worth following on the day
Today’s Pick 6 looks catchable
Champion apprentice jockey Lyle Hewitson is only eight wins short of equaling Gavin Lerena’s record of 284 winners ridden by an apprentice.
Hewitson could get off to a good start today in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1200m on the Vaal Outside track, where he rides Silver Spine for Mike and Adam Azzie. The Silvano gelding lacked a finish on debut, finishing sixth behind Mutrib, but then produced a noteworthy performance over the course and distance in his latest effort – beaten just 0.40 lengths into second by Seventh Son.
That form has worked out relatively well as third-placed Prince Of War has come out and won while three others have placed.
Silver Spine looks to be the best of those who have run but Mike de Kock saddles Irish-bred Limestone Mass, who will be making his debut. The problem for the son of Rock Of Gibraltar is that he was sired in the northern hemisphere and is six months younger than the rest of this field. However, that was also true of Cascapedia and she has won despite her age.
The trainer has a number of talented three-year-olds this season, so keep an eye on the betting.
Hewitson could be seen in the winner’s enclosure again in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1400m where he rides Sean Tarry-trained Amanika. She has improved with each race run, and seems to have found her niche over 1400m having finished an encouraging 0.20-length second behind Redberry Wood in her last outing.
For Quartets double float her with Believe Me and as many runners as your budget allows.
The best Swinger or Exacta to take is in Race 5, a FM 92 Handicap over 1400m featuring Emily Jay ridden by Hewitson and Sylvan On Fire, ridden by Craig Zackey.
The latter makes most appeal – she had won four consecutive races before her inspiring fourth behind Nother Russia, beaten 0.90 lengths in the Ipi Tombe Challenge (Grade 2) over 1600m. Ignore her mediocre performance last time, she was reported to be fatigued.
She is not badly weighted, carrying just 0.5kg more than Emily Jay. The only chink in Sylvan On Fire’s armour is the widest draw in this 11-horse field as opposed to Emliy Jay’s advantageous No 7. Hewitson’s mount is in pursuit of a fourth consecutive win so must be include in the Pick 6.