Another good chance for Thackeray

Jack Milner

Trainer Mike Miller made the decision to give jockey Mathew Thackeray an opportunity after he rode a good race on Querari Rose when the filly ran second on debut.

He repeated the performance and Querari Rose opened proceedings at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday. In his interview Miller said Thackeray did a lot of work at the stable and deserved the opportunity.

Miller has obviously taken by Thackeray’s performance because he has thrown another very good bone his way on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday in Race 1, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m.

Thackeray will ride ultra-consistent Nautical Landing, who looks ready to pick up her first race after a string of four places.

Three of those were on the Polytrack and the best was over this distance when she was beaten just 0.50 lengths by Ladies World.

She jumped from draw No 9 on that occasion while this time she has benefit of pole position.

Miller can score a double in Race 5, a MR 74 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m, where first jockey for the stable, Tristan Godden, climbs aboard improving three-year-old Magical View.

This filly won early as a juvenile, typical for Miller, but she does not appear to be a one-hit wonder as her seasonal debut was most eye catching. She produced the fastest finish coming from far back and near the line was hard pressing eventual winner Ubukhwebezana. Two horses from behind her, Emerald Green and Rugga Lover, have won well since.

She wasn’t far off Barend Botes’ champion, Quid Pro Quo, on debut and that appears flattering, but she is looking quite a nice type herself and is probably a bit better than her merit rating of 86.

On a line through Ubukhwebezana, Arvernian Goddess rates a danger especially from gate No 1 but she could be better over 1200m as she has previously stopped over 1400m.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 1 Nautical Landing, 5 Her Royalty, 8 Jet Lavish, 2 Pull A Fast One

Race 2:  7 The Octagon, 3 Always Shining, 9 National Award, 6 Deputy Chief

Race 3:  3 Spelling Bee, 4 Down By The River, 6 Captain Casey, 1 Officer In Command

Race 4:  2 Zinikele, 3 Miss Paget, 8 Perilla, 4 Littleblackvelvet

Race 5:  5 Magical View, 1 Avernian Goddess, 6 Beautiful Rania, 7 Green Valkyrie

Race 6:  6 Porfirio, 2 Mister Nibbles, 3 Irish Luck, 4 Knight Warrior

Race 7:  9 Diani, 2 Winter Waves, 6 African Skyline, 4 Smorgasbord

Race 8:  2 Brave Voyager, 3 Phaka Imali, 10 Lou Lou The Legend, 6 Brass Bell

Race 9:  5 Puff Of Smoke, 8 Swiss Paradise, 4 Beaded Gown, 10 Drive By

BEST BET

Race 3:  3 Spelling Bee

VALUE BET

Race 6:  6 Porfirio

BEST SWINGER

Race 1 1x5

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 3, 7

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 2, 3, 8

Leg 4: 1, 5, 6

Leg 5: 2, 3, 6

Leg 6: 2, 4, 6, 9

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 3

Leg 2: 2, 3

Leg 3: 1, 5

Leg 4: 2, 3, 6

Leg 5: 2, 6, 9

Leg 6: 2, 3, 10

Leg 7: 4, 5, 8

PICK 6

R1944

Leg 1: 2, 3, 8

Leg 2: 1, 5, 6

Leg 3: 2, 3, 6

Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Leg 5: 2, 3, 10

Leg 6: 4, 5, 8, 10

JACKPOT 1

R162

Leg 1: 1, 5, 6

Leg 2: 2, 3, 6

Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Leg 4: 2, 3, 10

JACKPOT 2

R216

Leg 1: 2, 3, 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Leg 3: 2, 3, 10

Leg 4: 4, 5, 8, 10