Jack Milner
While some pundits might not fancy a full race card of Maiden Plates, often it is easier to find winners with races at fixed weights.
That could be the case at Turffontein on Thursday with the meeting having been moved to the Standside track.
In so many cases, the best weighted runners have an edge on their opponents and that could help bettors.
The performance of the highest rated runners will, in a way, be a report card for the handicapper’s assessment.
However, many of these horses will not be going to Hollywood (unless they go off to race in KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape) so that does make accurate assessments from the handicappers much more difficult.
The obvious banker comes up in Race 5, a Maiden Plate over 1800m, where Lucky Houdalakis-trained Battleground is the form-runner, and thoroughly deserves his place as the highest rating of the field.
His three consecutive runner-up finishes is a testament to his grit while his consistency is surely to be rewarded.
Battleground’s chances were further enhanced when his main threat, Circus Lights, was withdrawn.
There is unlikely to be much generosity from the bookmakers but banking him in all your TAB exotics should prove useful.
Another runner who looks hard to beat is Joe Soma-trained Brave Viking in Race 4 over 1450m.
He boasts the highest rating at 79 and this William Longsword-gelding is definitely the one to beat.
His last outing saw him run out of steam in the dying stages of the race, but he was still the second fastest finisher over the last 400m.
With improved fitness, he should stay all the way this time round. Unfortunately, his task is made more difficult by the wide draw.
In his favour is the fact Piere Strydom takes the ride and if anybody can find a way to overcome that obstacle, it is the Blond Bomber.
If Brave Viking does fluff his lines, Raptor Island is most likely to take advantage.
His first run on the Highveld for new trainer Tony Peter saw him set the pace and, although being caught, he stayed on for third.
Race 6 is for fillies and mares over 1800m and this looks a clash between Robyn Klaasen-trained Crusade-filly Rosslyn and Mike de Kock’s On The Guest List.
On The Guest List finished ahead of Rosslyne when they raced by United Council over 1600m at this course and even though Gabriell Pieterse is no longer an apprentice and does not have a 1.5kg allowance, De Kock’s charge should be able to confirm that form.
Mighty Goddess looks best in Race 8 over 1450m.
A consistent performer, trainer Billy Ruiters must be equally proud and frustrated with this filly as she has been knocking and knocking and knocking…
Overdue a maiden victory is probably the understatement of the year and from pole position she really should have no excuses this time around.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 11 Time Together, 10 Nazare, 12 Viva De Janeiro, 2 Fish Eagle
Race 2: 3 Silk Garden, 8 Lushozi Shoop, 7 Honey In Green, 2 Writteninthesand
Race 3: 2 Phantomoftheforest, 1 Quixote, 6 Free Movement, 5 Exhale
Race 4: 3 Brave Viking, 4 Raptor Island, 10 Mo The Man, 12 Radu
Race 5: 2 Battleground, 1 Harold The Duke, 4 Elducino, 5 Pedasos
Race 6: 2 On The Guest List, 1 Rosslyne, 3 Ponderosa Pine, 8 Red Maple
Race 7: 4 More For Me, 2 Time To Meditate, 1 Positive Attitude, 6 Queen Britanna
Race 8: 3 Mighty Goddess, 4 Solo Diva, 1 African Tune, 5 Keep The Fort
BEST BET
Race 5 No 2 Battleground
VALUE BET
Race 7 No 4 More For Me
BEST SWINGER
Race 6 1x2
BIPOT
R108
Leg 1: 10, 11, 12
Leg 2: 3, 7, 8
Leg 3: 1, 2, 6
Leg 4: 3, 4
Leg 5: 2
Leg 6: 1, 2
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R162
Leg 1: 3, 7, 8
Leg 2: 1, 2, 6
Leg 3: 3
Leg 4: 2
Leg 5: 1, 2
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4
Leg 7: 1, 3, 4
PICK 6
R480
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 6
Leg 2: 3, 4
Leg 3: 2
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4, 6
Leg 6: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7
JACKPOT 1
R24
Leg 1: 3, 4
Leg 2: 2
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 6
JACKPOT 2
R60
Leg 1: 2
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 6
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7