Jack Milner: If form works out well, the Pick 6 looks very catchable at Turffontein on Saturday.
As the two standout bankers come from the Mike de Kock yard, a stable that’s in the pink of condition currently, there appears no reason why the form won’t work out.
On Thursday at the Vaal was a perfect example. De Kock saddles five runners. His two in Race 1 finished first and second, he had had two more winners – in Races 3 and 8 – and a one-length third with Fire Flower in Race 5.
He is carded to saddle 10 runners Saturday on the Inside track and while there are quite a few with winning chances, the two who stand out are Nafoorah in Race 4 and Vaseem in Race 8.
Nafoorah has only raced three times but he has a record of two wins and one second. After his debut victory, De Kock had no qualms in putting him up against quite strong opposition in a Progress Plate over 1450m at this track.
The son of Soft Falling Rain did not embarrass himself at all, running a 1.25-length second behind Astrix. Two winners have come from that form line, and interestingly, they were the first two past the post. Astrix won his next start while Nafoorah franked the form in his follow-up outing over 1800m, in which he beat Lord Melbourne by a very comfortable 2.25 lengths.
And in case you are still a doubter, Lord Melbourne franked that form by winning the final race on yesterday’s card.
Nafoorah lines up in Race 4, opening leg of the Pick 6, a Middle Stakes over 2000m. He won very well over 1800m and goes that additional 200m which should suit him even more.
Quite honestly, if you don’t banker Nafoorah you will need the field in your Pick 6. Callan Murray takes the ride again.
De Kock sends out Vercingetorix gelding Vaseem who, based on merit ratings, looks impossible to oppose in Race 8, a Graduation Plate over 1200m. He is the best handicapped runner by at least 5.5kg.
He has not run since June when he finished a two-length fifth behind Captain And Master in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m at Vaal but based on his form, this step back to 1200m should be ideal.
Stable companions from the Sean Tarry yard, Rock the Globe and Against The Grain, look the obvious dangers. However, the former comes off a rest and jumps from a wide draw, while the latter races as a gelding for the first time after a long break.
One runner who could cause a surprise is Louis The Seventh. He was highly regarded by trainer Tyrone Zackey after his debut win but he has had his issues. However, when you look at the list of horses to whom he has run close – Soqrat, Cirillo and William The Silent – this five-year-old son of Crusade is worth including in Trifectas and Quartets.
Alec Laird steps out debut winner Bequest in Race 9. She was well backed when winning full of running and could double up over this course and distance.