Jack Milner
This is probably the first season in the history of South African racing that the top two trainers in the country will go head-to-head in a feature race at Fairview Racecourse.
While Justin Snaith was a runaway winner of the national title last season but it was Alan Greeff who finished runner-up.
Obviously, runners from the two yards have clashed previously at the course but not as No 1 versus No 2 prior to 1 August.
Aptly, the feature race is named the Friendly Stakes and will be run over 1800m on the turf on Friday. Greeff has a decent hand with My Best Shot and Golden Peace, but Snaith has a really potent opponent in Royal Aussie.
On paper, Royal Aussie should have the beating of My Best Shot as the Royal Mo gelding easily came out better in their last start over 1600m at this course in a race won by Zinovi.
But there are a couple of differences this time, the most important being the distance. The extra 200m will benefit My Best Shot while Royal Aussie has yet to win beyond 1600m. In addition, Greeff’s charge may have needed that last run as it was his first since contesting the Hollywoodbets Durban July at HWB Greyville.
Muzi Yeni sticks with Royal Aussie while Richard Fourie retains the ride on My Best Shot.
In Race 2, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m, Greeff sends out exciting youngster Grade 1 winner and unbeaten Direct Hit. She takes on her elders for the first time but is fancied to extend her unbeaten run to five.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 3 Bomber Stream, 1 American Matador, 2 Away With Red, 12 Money Galore
Race 2: 1 Direct Hit, 4 Montelena, 2 Ellorix, 5 Alesia's Love
Race 3: 1 Japanese Garden, 8 Faraway Girl, 10 Ice Cap, 15 Full Of Magic
Race 4: 7 Sports Fan, 2 Smashing, 1 Fiery Countess, 5 Enchanting Lady
Race 5: 8 Flash Lightning, 7 Beer With The Boys, 2 Back For More, 4 Strange Magic
Race 6: 1 Bomber Bay, 8 Outback Express, 9 Janneman Wat Kan, 6 Darling Girl
Race 7: 3 My Best Shot, 1 Royal Aussie, 6 Golden Peace, 2 Bingwa
Race 8: 8 Golden Grey, 2 French Flame, 1 New Mexico, 3 Grand Allegro
BEST BET
Race 2: 1 Direct Hit
VALUE BET
Race 5: 8 Flash Lightning
BEST SWINGER
Race 7 1x3
BIPOT
R108
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 8, 10, 15
Leg 4: 7
Leg 5: 2, 7, 8
Leg 6: 1, 8, 9
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R96
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 8, 10
Leg 3: 7
Leg 4: 7, 8
Leg 5: 1, 8
Leg 6: 1, 3
Leg 7: 1, 2, 3, 8
PICK 6
R1125
Leg 1: 1, 8, 10, 13, 15
Leg 2: 7
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 4: 1, 8, 9
Leg 5: 1, 3, 6
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9
JACKPOT 1
R45
Leg 1: 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 3: 1, 8, 9
Leg 4: 1, 3, 6
JACKPOT 2
R225
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 2: 1, 8, 9
Leg 3: 1, 3, 6
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9