There are two reasons for making a runner a banker. The first is that he is a really good horse and the second is because he has the best form in a weak race. The latter can often be a dangerous decision because one is relying on a moderate performer to score at a very short price.
That looks to be the case with Paul Matchett-trained Carnarvon who lines up in Race 2 at the Vaal on Tuesday. He has been knocking at the door of a maiden victory and the three-year-old gelding will likely break through and open his account under Craig Zackey in this Maiden Handicap over 1200m.
This son of Elusive Fort was not at his best when trying the Polytrack for the first time at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time out but is worth another chance as the switch back to turf on his Highveld return will be more to his liking.
Calling the balance of the opposition moderate would actually be quite a compliment. The remaining six runners were sent off at between 25-1 and 125-1 for their last starts and ran accordingly, and even thought it is a handicap Carnarvon will not get a better opportunity than this.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 6 Beach Walker, 4 Frere Jacques, 11 Olympian Gold, 7 Trip To Peace
Race 2: 1 Carnarvon, 6 Storm Burst, 2 Captain Frank, 3 New Life
Race 3: 1 Empress Wu, 2 Cyber Spirit, 6 Smart Star, 3 Concordia
Race 4: 5 Ember King, 2 Heroic Act, 1 Inclusion, 7 That's Magical
Race 5: 2 Gimmeachoice, 6 Storm Ahead, 1 Banha Bridge, 4 Trident King
Race 6: 4 Bourbon Reserve, 6 Eight Hats, 2 Pennsylvania, 3 Hong Kong
Race 7: 2 Time Will Tell, 3 Palace Prince, 6 Jet Cat, 1 Beamonesque
Race 8: 12 Commander Of All, 1 After Hours, 11 Viva De Janeiro, 3 Coppola
BEST BET
Race 2: 1 Carnarvon
VALUE BET
Race 8: 12 Commander Of All
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 2x5
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 4, 6, 11
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 6
Leg 4: 2, 5
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4, 6
Leg 6: 2, 4, 6
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R324
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 2, 6
Leg 3: 2, 5
Leg 4: 1, 2, 6
Leg 5: 4, 6
Leg 6: 2, 3, 6
Leg 7: 1, 11, 12
PICK 6
R2880
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 6
Leg 2: 1, 2, 5
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 6
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 6
Leg 6: 1, 3, 9, 11, 12
JACKPOT 1
R144
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5
Leg 2: 1, 2, 4
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 6
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 6
JACKPOT 2
R240
Leg 1: 1, 2, 4
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 6
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 6
Leg 4: 1, 3, 9, 11, 12