Azzies set for good day

The Mike and Adam Azzie-trained gelding was backed in from 16-10 to 19-20 to win a MR 94 Handicap over 1600m on the Vaal Classic track but he hung, was cut into and was not striding out. Despite all that, he still managed to finish just 1.25 lengths behind the winner.

He lines up on Tuesday in Race 6, a Graduation Plate over 1450m on the Turffontein Inside track, and punters should not be quick to write off his chances.

It is going to be tough, as he has some strong challengers in Willow Express and Herodotus, and on paper, he is 3.5kg under sufferance with both under the race conditions. But he could enjoy the drop to 1450m and two runs back, he did win over 1500m at this track. 

He is drawn widest of the nine runners, which is a concern over this course and distance, but S’manga Khumalo retains the ride and he has the ability to overcome the hurdle.

Herodotus will be having his third run on the Highveld since joining John Janse van Vuuren’s yard and he did place in his first two. He was runner-up to La Luvia last time, and the winner went was just touched off at Turffontein last Saturday.

Gavin Lerena takes the ride.

Willow Magic pulled off a great win over 1400m on the Standside track last time under apprentice Joshwin Solomons in his first run back after having been gelded.

He is well drawn at No 2, has performed well in his only run at this track, and will have Lyle Hewitson in the irons this time.

Whatever the fate of Bartholdi, the Azzie’s should be in the No 1 box in Race 7 where they send out Southern Song in a Maiden Plate for fillies and mare over 1600m.

The daughter of Dynasty has raced just twice, running fifth on debut in December behind Perfect Angel, producing the fastest 400m to finish after failing to overcome a wide draw. 

Her second start came after a rest, over 1400m up the Vaal straight on 16 March, and once again she ran on to finish a one-length second behind Qunetra.

She does not get an official merit rating until she has run three times which is why she does not feature in the best-weighted column.

Khumalo takes the ride.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 3 Twin Turbo, 2 Sergei, 1 Techno Savvy, 4 Ball Rolling

Race 2: 3 Hollywoodbound, 8 Rozara, 6 Quest From Afar, 2 Bathing Beauty

Race 3: 5 Star Of The West, 6 Floreana Island, 4 Portrayal, 3 Partner In Crime

Race 4: 8 Maple Sugar, 1 Trying Times, 2 Imitation Game, 3 Valencia

Race 5: 3 Gee For Go, 4 Ecstatic Green, 1 Querari Ferrari, 5 Gaian Glory

Race 6: 3 Bartholdi, 2 Herodotus, 1 Willow Express, 8 Bowie

Race 7: 11 Southern Song, 4 Amberglo Star, 1 Ms Flower Power, 3 Woman Of Grace

Race 8: 11 Sophia’s First, 3 Masaaken, 1 Electric Boots, 2 Love Posy

BEST BET

Race 7 No 11 Southern Song

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 3 Bartholdi

BEST SWINGER

Race 4 1×8

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3

Leg 2: 3, 8

Leg 3: 5, 6

Leg 4: 1, 8

Leg 5: 1, 3, 4

Leg 6: 1, 2, 3

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R144

Leg 1: 3, 8

Leg 2: 5, 6

Leg 3: 8

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4

Leg 5: 1, 2, 3

Leg 6: 11

Leg 7: 1, 2, 3, 11

PICK 6

R960

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 1, 8

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 8

Leg 5: 11

Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 5, 11

JACKPOT 1

R48

Leg 1: 1, 8

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 8

Leg 4: 11

JACKPOT 2

R120

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 8

Leg 3: 11

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 11