Jack Milner: Al Sakeet makes his handicap debut in Race 6 on the Vaal Classic track on Tuesday.
The Mike de Kock-trained runner has won three of his four starts, all of the victories coming over 1000m. His only defeat was in the Grade 3 Man O’ War Sprint over 1100m at Turffontein in April when he finished a 5.25-length third behind Celestial Love.
Whether the defeat was due to the additional 100m, the strength of the opposition or behavioural issue is uncertain, but the three-year son of Var was gelded three days after that race.
He made his return over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track in a Graduation Plate and did not disappoint, racing clear of his rivals to beat Kwite A Trip by 2.25 lengths.
He only received a 1kg penalty for that victory, but he still come into this MR 96 Handicap over 1000m carrying joint top weight of 60kg.
Considering there are only seven runners contesting the race, four of which have been allotted 60kg, with the lowest carded weight 56.5kg, it does not look an insurmountable task for Al Sakeet.
Two runners, however, will be able to claim apprentice allowances – Chief Of State 2.5kg and Calvary 4kg.
What does stick out about Al Sakeet’s last win was that he covered the 1000m in a very fast 55.63secs and a repeat of that performance makes him a stand-out bet in this line-up.
His biggest threat is likely to come from stable companion Battleoftrafalgar, who comes back from an 80-day rest.
The four-year-old son of Captain Al is probably a touch better over 1200m, but he has won over 1000m and is ultra-consistent. Randall Simons takes the ride.
Captain Hindsight from the Ashley Fortune yard looks next best but based on the time he completed the 1000m at the same course a week later, he is likely to be outclassed.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 6 Pink Legacy, 2 Fashionigma, 1 Canary Walk, 4 Lollapalooza
Race 2: 5 Iron Will, 9 Motown Magic, 7 Litigation, 8 Monsoon Kenny
Race 3: 1 Last Song, 3 Princess Thiana, 2 Fort Snow, 6 Oceans Pride
Race 4: 1 Understated, 7 Arizona Lady, 4 Waltzing Al, 3 Passing Shot
Race 5: 6 Fred, 1 Countfonic Legacy, 5 Great Warrior, 4 Into The Future
Race 6: 1 Al Sakeet, 2 Battleoftrafalgar, 3 Captain Hindsight, 4 Chief Of State
Race 7: 4 Upcloseandpersonal, 1 Bella Black, 2 Toto, 7 Fantasy Flower
Race 8: 1 Un Deux Trois, 10 Encore, 3 Harrys Secret, 9 Roger The Dodger
Race 9: 1 Funky Music, 5 Louvain, 3 Brooklyn Bridge, 9 Florida Keys
BEST BET
Race 6 No 1 A Sakeet
BEST VALUE BET
Race 5 No 6 Fred
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 2×6
BIPOT
R64
Leg 1: 5, 9
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 7
Leg 4: 1, 4, 5, 6
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 7
Leg 3: 1, 4, 5, 6
Leg 4: 1
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4
Leg 6: 1, 3, 10
Leg 7: 1, 3, 5
PICK 6
R1960
Leg 1: 1, 7
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10
Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 9
JACKPOT 1
R245
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10
JACKPOT 2
R140
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10
Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 9