Thrill to have fans back
FUTURE: BIG RACING ACTION COMING UP AT CHARITY MILE
Princess Kesh in Race 6 the best banker.
It’s been a very difficult week for me in that I haven’t managed to get winners on the board, but I am hoping that will change and I will start to boot them home again. I have been putting in a lot of hard work at track in the mornings and I am happy with some of my bigger horses who will shortly start to compete.
I am excited about the younger stock in some stables I ride for and I’m looking forward to the next couple of months.
There was some great news this week that spectators will be allowed back at the racecourses and as a professional jockey I cannot wait. There will be strict Covid protocols to follow but I’m sure many racing purists are delighted to step back on course.
There are no feature races today and next Saturday, but everyone is gearing up for the Grade 2 Charity Mile at the end of the month when we also have a host of other feature races.
We race on the Turffontein Inside track today. I have eight rides and I’ll be happy just to get one on the board.
Race 1 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m and I ride Moonstrike who improved drastically after a break, and off a good draw I’m expecting to finish in the money.
My first selection is Insatiable who I make difficult to oppose. My gut feeling is she’ll enjoy this track and the filly who beat her last time came out to win again.
Stable companion Amicus Curiae is her main danger after a decent debut, while betting support for any first-timers must be watched closely.
Race 2 is a Middle Stakes over 2600m. It’s a small but quality field, and a very competitive one at that.
I ride Apollo Robbins who is consistent and in good form. We have a couple of lengths to find on a few horses but I’m hoping for a decent effort.
My first selection is the everimproving Shangani who won an outstanding race last time. That showed he will love the step-up in trip and could well be ahead of his rating.
Every horse in the race has legitimate claims for a big run so I think if you don’t banker Shangani then go as wide as the budget will allow.
Race 3 is a Maiden Plate over 1450m and I ride Harold The Duke who is having his first start.
He is a nice type whose work has been decent but will definitely improve with the run under his belt.
I think Displace Time is the horse to beat after a lovely debut. He ran on extremely well and will enjoy the step-up in trip.
Chariot Master comes from the same form line so must be a danger. My True North and Integrate are others to consider while betting on the unraced runners must be watched for a guide.
Race 4 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m and I ride Maria’s World who gave me a good feel last time. She was green but ran on nicely in her debut performance and I make her the filly to beat.
Country Flame is my main danger after running second to an above-average filly last time and must be included in all bets.
I believe these two should get you through all bets.
Race 5 is a MR 80 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m and I ride Eternity Ring who I make a massive runner. She comes out of a Grade 1 race and is well above average.
She is having her first run as a three-year-old but I’m expecting her to be right there.
My main dangers look to be the other three-year-olds – Juliet Tango, who won a very good race last time, and debut winner Just Fabulous.
I believe these three should get you through all your bets.
Race 6 is a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2200m and my best bet on the card comes up in the form of Princess Kesh.
She is in outstanding form and although slightly worse off at the weights with Masaaken, I believe her expected improvement will see her through.
Masaaken is her main danger and must be respected as the form line of her last run has already been franked.
Olympic Silk is another to consider for minor honours.
Race 7 is a MR 86 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2200m. I ride She’s A Cracker who comes off a small break but is honest and I’m expecting a decent run. But this could be a little on the short side so I’m more hopeful.
Even though it’s a small field, my suggestion is to go as wide as the budget will allow because all of Southern Song, Traveling Wilbury, Franklin and my first selection, Opera Glass, have winning claims.
Race 8 is a Novice Handicap over 1800m and I ride Willo’thewisp who was disappointing last time. But if you excuse that run he has a place chance.
Aragosta looks to be well above average and will take all the beating. Even though he comes off a lengthy break, the fact Mike de Kock has put him into a race over 1800m first-up suggests he is fit and well, and on that he will take all the beating.
His main danger is Flying Bull who is in good form and another massive run can be expected.
Indelible is another who could be ahead of the handicapper and must be respected.
Race 9 is a MR 88 Handicap over 1600m and I ride Ivalo’s Prince who I’m hoping can run another honest race. I think we will be hard-pressed to win but he could claim minor honours.
City By The Sea has won two very good races with ease and could follow up, although he goes up drastically in the weights.
Theory Of Flight is a definite contender and must be included in wider bets, however, my value bet comes up in the form of Laird Of Breedon who has some excellent form.
This is a major drop in class for this three-year-old and if he produces his last two runs then he will take all that beating at what looks to be a decent price.
BEST BET
Race 6 No 11 Princess Kesh
VALUE BET
Race 9 No 6 Laird Of Breedon
PICK 6
R252
Leg 1: 5, 9
Leg 2: 5, 7, 8
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Leg 5: 1, 3
Leg 6: 1, 2, 6