Jack Milner
The fun of heading into a major season is great news for racing fans because what is usually a mundane midweek meeting is peppered with some decent runners who are preparing for feature races.
That certainly is the case at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday when some talented three-year-olds are being stepped out ahead of the Cape summer season.
Topping that list is Candice Bass-trained All The Rage, who must have some Grade 1 Cape Guineas aspirations. Out of top performing mare Gilded Minaret, he is a half-brother to the likes of eight-time winner Mount Anderson and promising La Pulga, but All The Rage is the first by Rafeef.
All The Rage has only raced four times for two wins and two close-up third places. The comments after his last win were highly positive and a big run can be expected.
The manner in which he won last time when beating Saudi Cat by 3.25 lengths could not have been more impressive and two winners have come from that form line, including Vaughan Marshall’s charge Saudi Cat.
However, there are two concerns. He has not raced since 29 July so is returning from a 71-day break. Secondly, this will be his first race at Durbanville and that sometimes can be tough for an inexperienced horse on this tight-turning track.
However, despite having to put up 1kg overweight Bass has engaged stable jockey Aldo Domeyer, who has been aboard in all four of his tarts, to take the ride once again.
However, this will be a test as Glen Kotzen-trained Good For You is also in this field.
All The Rage and Good For You go head-to-head in Race 3, a Progress Plate over 1250m.
Good For You won the Grade 1 Gold Medallion at HWB Scottsville in May and also has the benefit of having won at Durbanville.
However, he has not raced since 31 May and perhaps the betting market may be the best guide as to his readiness.
Chad Little knows him well and he will be aboard once again.
Bass’s best on the day has to be handsome colt Viva’s Liberte who lines up in Race 7, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m.
This three-year-old Vercingetorix colt is a powerful individual who cost R2.1-million as a yearling and did not disappoint on debut even though expected to find 1250m a touch too short.
With a win at the course under his belt, he should have no problem going up to 1400m and from No 4 draw should provide Serino Moodley with a good winner.
Viva’s Liberte looks another to follow in upcoming Classic races.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 11 Prince Of Egypt, 13 Joueur De Flute, 10 Gallic King, 7 Marcus Aurelius
Race 2: 13 Vixens War, 1 Nannie Gold, 5 Star World, 3 Vixeninthevineyard
Race 3: 8 All The Rage, 5 Good For You, 6 Gimmelightning, 4 Powerandtheglory
Race 4: 3 In Motion, 12 Beware, 2 Sag Harbor, 9 Waterfront
Race 5: 8 Beach Verse, 9 Reet Petite, 7 Splash Of Colour, 10 Music Of The Night
Race 6: 2 Mela Strength, 3 Red Coral, 5 My Bestie, 6 Midway
Race 7: 4 Viva's Liberte, 3 Blind Date, 5 Carriacou, 8 Yamazaki
Race 8: 3 Ukuduma, 5 Electromagnetism, 7 Educator, 1 All Is Green
Race 9: 3 Chapbook, 2 Mariachi Madness, 4 Gallic Forge, 6 Shifting Path
BEST BET
Race 7: 4 Viva's Liberte
VALUE BET
Race 2: 13 Vixens War
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 3x12
BIPOT
R192
Leg 1: 1, 3, 5, 13
Leg 2: 5, 8
Leg 3: 3, 12
Leg 4: 7, 8, 9
Leg 5: 2, 3, 5, 6
Leg 6: 4
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 5, 8
Leg 2: 3, 12
Leg 3: 7, 8, 9
Leg 4: 2, 3, 5
Leg 5: 4
Leg 6: 3, 5
Leg 7: 2, 3, 4
PICK 6
R1440
Leg 1: 3, 12
Leg 2: 4, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 3: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
Leg 4: 4
Leg 5: 1, 3, 5, 7
Leg 6: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
JACKPOT 1
R120
Leg 1: 4, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 2: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
Leg 3: 4
Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 7
JACKPOT 2
R180
Leg 1: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
Leg 2: 4
Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7