Cosmic Star to shine bright at Vaal

Jack Milner

Cosmic Star was well supported to win his last start on the Inside track at Turffontein but after getting literally bounced out at the start, failed to recover and finished a disappointing sixth behind stable companion Covert Operator, beaten 5.95 lengths.

The Erupt gelding gets a chance to redeem himself at the Vaal on Thursday when he lines up in Race 8, a MR 75 Handicap over 1200m on the Classic track.

He only began racing in March and did well on debut, finishing a 1.50-length second behind Axel Collins over 1000m on the Classic track.

Some three weeks later he lined up for his second race over 1160m at Turffontein and the outcome was never in doubt as he romped to a three-length victory over Fort Lauderdale. It turned out to be a strong form line as two winners came from that run, including the runner-up. So it came as no surprise when Cosmic Star was sent out an 18-10 favourite for his third start. Unfortunately, he was buffeted about as the gates opened and was unable to use his speed, especially as that race was around the bend.

This race is also run around the turn but conveniently Johan Janse van Vuuren’s charge will jump from No 2 draw.

This will allow Keagan de Melo to get him well positioned enabling him to use his natural speed.

While one regularly sees horses from regions around the country move to Port Elizabeth in order to get their careers back on track it is not too often one sees movement in the other direction. However, it certainly appears to have worked well for The Playgate SA syndicate because they have already picked up a Grade 2 victory moving a runner up from Port Elizabeth, and that was Peach Daiquiri who won the World Sports Betting KZN Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.  

They have three-year-old gelding Suryavarman in this race and he looks the obvious danger to Cosmic Star. The son of Querari picked up one race in Port Elizabeth and then moved to Tony Peter.

In his first run for the stable, Suryavarman finished third to Calibre Crest over 1400m on the Vaal straight track and then followed up with an easy 2.40-length victory over Cheeky Laddie over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Denis Schwarz takes the ride once again and the pair will jump from barrier No 5.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 6 Elusive Fire, 1 Law Of Success, 4 Southern Style, 2 She's A Klawer

Race 2: 3 Open Highway, 9 Vivacious Vicky, 10 Ambrym, 1 Horsefly

Race 3: 1 Cala Muretta, 11 Woman Of Power, 2 French Duchess, 7 Micke's Bomb

Race 4: 7 Viva De Janeiro, 1 Nazare, 4 Saka Gold, 6 Baazigar

Race 5: I 1'm A Man, 5 Broadway, 10 Pink Diamond, 2 US Open

Race 6: 4 Greenlightranger, 5 Miss Christmas, 2 Impression, 6 Secret Recipe

Race 7: 2 Over Two You, 4 Luthuli, 6 Oyster King, 1 River Romeo

Race 8: 2 Cosmic Star, 3 Suryavarman, 1 Laetitia's Angel, 8 Defender Of Rights

BEST BET

Race 4 No 7 Viva De Janeiro

VALUE BET

Race 8 No 2 Cosmic Star

BEST SWINGER

Race 7 2x4

BIPOT

R243

Leg 1: 1, 4, 6

Leg 2: 3, 4, 9

Leg 3: 1, 2, 11

Leg 4: 7

Leg 5: 1, 5, 10

Leg 6: 2, 4, 5

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R108

Leg 1: 3, 4

Leg 2: 1, 2, 11

Leg 3: 7

Leg 4: 1, 5, 10

Leg 5: 4, 5

Leg 6: 2

Leg 7: 1, 2, 3

PICK 6

R480

Leg 1: 1, 2, 7, 11

Leg 2: 7

Leg 3: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10

Leg 4: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 5: 2

Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11

JACKPOT 1

R20

Leg 1: 7

Leg 2: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10

Leg 3: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 4: 2

JACKPOT 2

R120

Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10

Leg 2: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11