It’s Noble Secret by a Mile
NO-WHIP CONTEST IN RACE 2 HAS RAISED A LOT OF DIFFERENT EMOTIONS
Charity Mile gives jockeys a chance to mix with the celebrities.
Today we have the running of the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein and not only is it one of the key feature races of the year but we get the opportunity to meet some of the celebrities who represent the charities.
What adds even more interest in the jockey ranks this year is that we are having a race without the use of whips. Horseracing has a lot of detractors and one of the three questions I get asked more often than any other is: why do jockeys need whips? This question is getting more attention, especially in the UK, so the concept of a race without whips is both novel and topical.
There are numerous reasons brought up by some jockeys as to how no whips could affect the race outcome negatively. Some jockeys want to know how they will keep the horses straight, but in many cases some duck because of the whip. There is truth in the fact that some young horses still have to learn how to race and you might have to smack them down the shoulder.
I even had a jockey ask what if he runs second because he’s not allowed to use the whip. I pointed out to him that the rider of the winning horse also won’t have a whip.
It will be interesting to see what jockeys will end up doing to get the best out of a horse.
Maybe they will try to use their own hands, but they will only discover their hands will hurt more that any pain the horse may feel.
They might need to adjust because we could end up moving in the direction of no whips but it is worth pointing out that modern whips are designed to make more noise than hurt the horse. However, we still need to improve the image of horseracing.
The Charity Mile is the main race and it comprises quite a big field. It’s also a handicap which often makes it a difficult race but on this occasion Noble Secret looks a tough nut to cracks. He has a nice draw, he’s quite lightly raced so has scope for improvement and last time out he was beaten by one of the fancied runners in this race, Captain Aldo, from a wide draw over a distance too short for him. With a good draw he must be the horse to beat.
He’s a Place Accumulator banker and possibly be even a Pick 6 banker.
If he’s not your Pick 6 banker then look at Infamous Fox, Arctica and Doosra. Once you look beyond them you could consider the field.
I’m riding Bulleting Home and on his best form he could have a chance. In fact, I rode him when he was beaten just a length by Marinaresco, who went on to win the Durban July.
Race 1 is the Listed Java Handicap and my first selection is American Landing who, on his best form, could beat this field. Not far behind on form is Mr Winsome, who could be more effective over this distance and should be a lot fitter now.
The dangers could be Ali Bon Dubai and Walter Smoothie.
Race 2 is the Maiden Plate where we jockeys will not be using the whip and there is a horse who surely should win and that’s Owlinthetree. He was beaten just 1.50 lengths and the jockey room talk is that he’s a potential feature-race winner. His danger could be Turf Master and possibly one of the unraced horses.
I’m riding Captain Hook whose form is not strong but as he is an experienced horse and that could benefit me. A good draw can also help.
Race 3 is a Maiden Plate and a couple of these horses will win quite a few races. My selections are Epic Dream and Against The Grain but the race does not stop there. There is Greener Pastures who placed in a strong field and Bye Bye Rocket who finished close up in his only start as well.
For the PA Epic Dream and Against The Grain should be good enough but there are others with Quartet chances and they are Mojito Magic, Opensea and Summer House.
Race 4 is the Graham Beck Stakes where we have some young horses taking part who could make sudden improvement, but on current form it should be a twohorse race between Alyaasaat and Chimichuri Run. Both need to be included in the Pick 6 but I would banker Alyaatsaat in the Place Accumulator as he has a better draw, he’s been the distance before and he was beaten a short head by top older horses last time.
Race 5 is the Ready To Run Cup and the best handicapped horse by far is Railtrip. Unfortunately, she has a bad draw but still looks too good for this field. Banker her in all bets.
The two unknown horses are Greatest Wish and The Sands who have an outside chance of beating Railtrip.
I’m riding Checkpoint Charlie who is a young horse and hopefully can improve to win the race.
Race 6 looks another two-horse race between Ghaalla and Celtic Sea but Ronnie’s Candy has beaten both of them. Isle De France was impressive in her debut win while many of these horses have finished close to the leading pair. For the Pick 6 include all of those mentioned as well as Nafaayes who is drawn No 1.
For the PA go with the two proven horses, Celtic Sea and Ghaalla.
Race 8 is the Golden Loom Handicap over 1000m so you want to go with out-and-out sprinters. The speed merchants the speed merchants are Kissable, Isphan and Rocky Valley. But the horse who could beat them all is Rebel’s Champ. He was an unbelievable winner last time as he came from far behind on the Inside track and still won easily. Consider all off these for the PA and for the Pick 6 add in as many as possible as the balance of the field are on an equal footing.
I’m riding Life Is Good which has Zimbabwe form so I’m hoping it’s strong enough against our form.
Race 9 is the Yellowwood Handicap with many horses capable of winning. My selections are Fort Ember, Sylvan On Fire, Insignis and Being Fabulous. Consider as many of those mentioned for the PA. The field could apply in the Pick 6.
Race 10 is a Maiden Plate with my main fancy being Balustrade. Unfortunately, she has not raced for nearly a year. Other runners are See You Tyger, Mercer Girl and Sail De Lago. There are a number of well-bred first-timers and as the rest do not have outstanding form, keep an eye on the betting.
Race 11 is another handicap in which Buffalo Bill Cody comes off a rest. He’s won three of four and is still improving and could be difficult to beat. Others with strong form are French Navy and Safe Harbour but they’re coming off a rest so that makes it a difficult race.
I’m riding Kings Archer who had a draw last time and unfortunately I was caught wide the whole way. With a bit of luck and fitness on our side and with all the support I receive from owner Ian van Schalkwyk, hopefully I will be able to bring home another winner for him.
Race 12 is another handicap where Flying Winger is my first selection. He is lightly raced and possibly has more improvement to come. He has a good draw and a lot in his favour.
The rest of the field, including my ride Full Of Attitude, has similar form but my horse has blinkers on for the first time and that could make the difference.