A ‘Mist’ to roll in at Greyville

Jack Milner

With the KwaZulu-Natal season in full swing, it comes as no surprise to see trainers from all over the country raiding the province, even for the smaller features.

Paul Matchett is in town with three runners and he should pick up at least one winner with Mist In Scotland in Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the Polytrack on Monday, a MR 72 Handicap over 1000m.

On the surface it is a tricky race for the daughter of Vercingetorix as she is a two-year-old taking on older colts and geldings.

But what stands out with her is the exceptional pace she showed when winning her second start on the Inside track at Turffontein, a racetrack not dissimilar to the Greyville track in terms of shape.

She was led by a runner who showed even more pace but could not sustain it and when the frontrunner faded, Mist In Scotland was quick to pounce and won easily beating, recent winners including Linkin Navigator, French Impact and Prince Of Green.

Running this filly in a handicap looks the way to go as one gets the full benefit of the 8.5kg weight-for-age allowance.

In addition, her form had a further boost at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday when Mrs Geriatrix scored an easy victory in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship

In her last race, Mist In Scotland contested the Grade 2 SA Fillies Nursery over 1160m at Turffontein and after showing tremendous pace, faded over the final 200m to finish nine lengths behind Mrs Geriatrix.

This 1000m around the turn will be ideal for her, especially as she will jump from Gate No 1. The Polytrack should not be a concern as most progeny of Vercingetorix seem to enjoy the surface.

Matchett has engaged Rachel Venniker for the ride and she will take a further 1.5kg off the filly’s back.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 6 Nazare, 5 Givethatmanabells, 8 Savantrix, 1 Railroad

Race 2: 1 Mist In Scotland, 2 Valiente, 8 Trafalgar Square, 3 Georgie George

Race 3: 2 Grandi Orecchie, 3 Midnight Crystal, 4 Sing For Winter, 5 Mel's Princess

Race 4: 7 Crazy Blues, 6 Rattle Bag, 5 Mission Rocks, 2 Time For Glory

Race 5: 3 Queen Bomi, 4 Lady Macbeth, 6 Fields Of Green, 9 Time To The Moon

Race 6: 7 Rodriguez, 3 Corsican, 9 Time Taker, 10 Brave Voyager

Race 7: 3 Pascali, 2 Winter Waves, 11 Immeasurable, 12 Wave Warrior

Race 8: 3 Dual Agent, 9 Sky Velocity, 7 African Beat, 5 Trip To Nebraska

BEST BET

Race 2 No 1 Mist In Scotland

VALUE BET

Race 7 No 3 Pascali

BEST SWINGER

Race 3 2x3

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 5, 6, 8

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 2, 3

Leg 4: 2, 5, 6, 7

Leg 5: 3, 4, 6

Leg 6: 3, 7, 9

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 1

Leg 2: 2, 3

Leg 3: 5, 6, 7

Leg 4: 3, 4

Leg 5: 3, 7, 9

Leg 6: 2, 3, 11

Leg 7: 3, 7, 9

PICK 6

R1800

Leg 1: 2, 3

Leg 2: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9

Leg 4: 3, 7, 9

Leg 5: 2, 3, 11

Leg 6: 3, 5, 7, 9

JACKPOT 1

R225

Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9

Leg 3: 3, 7, 9

Leg 4: 2, 3, 11

JACKPOT 2

R180

Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9

Leg 2: 3, 7, 9

Leg 3: 2, 3, 11

Leg 4: 3, 5, 7, 9