Jack Milner
King Charles acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom following the death of his mother in September and that saw the Queen’s Plate become King’s Plate once again, the first time in 70 years.
It is only inevitable, therefore, that another Charles should begin his reign on the southern tip of the African continent but this time in his role as the country’s champion miler.
Last year this time nobody had even heard of a horse named Charles Dickens yet there he is, the 5-10 favourite and pretender to the throne held by Jet Dark.
Jet Dark is looking to earn his place in history and equal the performances of Pocket Power and Legal Eagle and win Saturday’s R2-million L’Ormarins sponsored race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for the third time. Pocket Power, though, still holds the record with four successive victories.
A few months back most people would have expected the Justin Snaith-trained entire to go off as the odds-on favourite but all changed in the blink of an eye.
On 27 November another son of Trippi lined up in an Allowance Plate over 1400m with Charles Dickens having to give weight to all but Captain Of Stealth, and he just ambled home to beat Russian Rock by 3.25 lengths.
And if one thought that was impressive, his 4.25-length thumping of Cousin Casey in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas over 1600m, his first attempt at the distance, from a wide draw was astounding.
The accolades cascaded in – and here we are, with the Candice Bass-Robinson stable star at 5-10 to win the King’s Plate.
He is not well drawn, but that was the case in the Guineas and it made no difference, but unlike Jet Dark, who needs to build up for his punishing finish, Charles Dickens can turn it on in a flash. He is just getting better with every run and will take a power of beating, especially as he will be getting 5kg from Jet Dark, who is undoubtedly his main danger.
“He’s done everything I’ve asked of him,” said Bass-Robinson on Thursday. “Every time we’ve asked him he’s stepped up, but he will need to step up again this time. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but he should be up to it.
“We’ve asked a lot of him. He had a run at the end of November and then a tough run in the Guineas three weeks later. Now again, after just three weeks, he’s back again in another Grade 1. But we do know he’s a cut above average.
“One forgets he is still a three-year-old, and I’m asking a lot of him.”
Charles Dickens will be given a rest after this run and has already been withdrawn from the Cape Met. “He definitely deserves a break. He’s got his whole career ahead of him.”
Bass-Robinson does not see too much pace in the race but is not concerned. “I don’t see them going that fast unless Justin’s (Snaith) other horse goes out.
“But you can sit Charles Dickens anywhere. He quickens up better than anything.”
Aldo Domeyer just loves this horse and is prepared to get down to 55kg to ride him. He is a star and is fully expected to keep his unbeaten record intact.
Jet Dark is the obvious danger while Kommetdieding is expected to run his usual honest race.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 8 Pacific Green, 2 Vivacious Spirit, 1 Distinction, 9 Bonika
Race 2: 4 Aussenkehr, 7 Green Falcon, 2 Black Egret, 9 Night Tiger
Race 3: 6 Gimmelightning, 9 Ripple Effect, 2 Golden Tatjana, 3 Rascova
Race 4: 8 We're Jamming, 13 Iphiko, 6 Trompie, 12 Surjay
Race 5: 13 Princess Calla, 17 Santa Maria, 8 Stiptelik, 2 Ciao Bella
Race 6: 3 Universal, 2 Pomp And Power, 8 Nexus, 11 Do It Again
Race 7: 6 Marina, 3 Captain's Ransom, 7 Sparkling Water, 8 Make It Snappy
Race 8: 9 Charles Dickens, 10 Jet Dark, 8 Kommetdieding, 2 Trip Of Fortune
Race 9: 10 Nevada King, 2 Blackberry Malt, 7 Run For Cover, 4 Captive Moon
Race 10: 10 Arctic Drift, 13 Navy Strength, 5 Master Redoute, 15 One Way Traffic
BEST BET
Race 3 No 6 Gimmelightning
VALUE BET
Race 10 No 10 Arctic Drift
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 4x7
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 4, 7
Leg 2: 6
Leg 3: 6, 8, 12, 13
Leg 4: 2, 8, 13, 17
Leg 5: 2, 3, 8
Leg 6: 3, 6, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 6
Leg 2: 6, 8, 13
Leg 3: 8, 13, 17
Leg 4: 2, 3, 8
Leg 5: 3, 6
Leg 6: 9
Leg 7: 2, 4, 7, 10
PICK 6
R2700
Leg 1: 4, 6, 8, 12, 13
Leg 2: 2, 8, 13, 17
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 8, 11
Leg 4: 3, 6, 7
Leg 5: 9
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11
JACKPOT 1
R120
Leg 1: 2, 8, 13, 17
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 8, 11
Leg 3: 3, 6, 7
Leg 4: 9, 10
JACKPOT 2
R270
Leg 1: 3, 6, 7
Leg 2: 9, 10
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11
Leg 4: 5, 10, 12, 13, 15