Jack Milner
There is no doubt that Dyce has been – and hopefully still is – one of the best sprinters of the last few years.
The seven-year-old gelding has only raced 22 times for 10 wins and eight places and among those is a victory in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in 2024. He has earned in excess of R2-million and he is not done yet.
However, the son of William Longsword has not been the easiest of horses to train over the years to have trained as his soundness has always been an issue. But all credit has to go to the perseverance of trainer Lucky Houdalakis and the patience of owner Dave Shawe in getting this gelding to the racecourse and being able to perform at such a high level.
Dyce has not been seen in action since finishing fourth in this year’s Cape Flying Championship in January title behind Equus Champion Sprinter Gimme A Prince, but he will make his return at the Vaal on Thursday when he lines up in Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.
He built up a good rapport with jockey Piere Strydom over the past 18 months, but such is the allure of this star sprinter that former champion jockey Richard Fourie will be making the journey.
Interestingly Fourie, who makes the trip to the Highveld for four rides, partners both Dyce as well as his full-brother, Stoneywood, a debutant for the Houdalakis outfit in Race 2 over 1200m.
Dyce does have a habit of coming back well when racing fresh so the 257-day break might not be too much of a concern.
He is the best weighted runner in this race but by only 1kg, and once one looks past him this looks quite an open race.
Mount Pinotubo was one of three runners from the Johan Janse van Vuuren yard but has been scratched. That leaves the other two, Chyavana and Sheldon, and neither is without a chance. Sheldon, in particular, has hit top form and he has a second place and a victory under Louis Nhlapo.
Punters should also note the same Houdalakis-Fourie combination team up in Race 4, a MR 93 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m, where consistent filly Francilien is expected to regain winning form. She was narrowly denied by Komati River in a similar contest last month but is 1kg better off, and with Fourie replacing Craig Zackey the tables should be turned.
However, Tony Peter’s charge was well handled by 4kg claiming apprentice Girish Samo-Burthia and after looking beaten by Francilien, was actually pulling away at the end of that race.
Peter felt his charge had a massive winning chance on that occasion and the daughter of Vercingetorix is not without a winning chance. Swinger and Exactas are advised.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 11 Queen Of Pearls, 7 Come Together, 2 Dondoyaki, 15 Truly Magical
Race 2: 11 Space Mission, 6 Geostorm, 12 Stoneywood, 1 Milan's World
Race 3: 4 Blindfire, 6 Golden Aspen, 1 Gimmeforsure, 5 Time For Charity
Race 4: 2 Francilien, 4 Komati River, 6 Flight Of A Condor, 7 Limerick Lace
Race 5: 1 Dyce, 12 Karate Kid, 10 Sheldon, 7 Anfields Rocket
Race 6: 11 Palace Prince, 5 Mastership, 7 Birthright, 12 Unsolved Riddle
Race 7: 2 Page Boy, 3 Mizzen Sword, 4 Peace Treaty, 5 Zoombomber
Race 8: 3 Kiss Of Fire, 8 Pomozelous, 4 Bold Action, 7 Instant Attraction
Race 9: 2 Dimako's Jet, 5 Future Date, 1 Free In Seattle, 9 Pretty Analia
BEST BET
Race 1: 11 Queen Of Pearls
VALUE BET
Race 9: 2 Dimako's Jet
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 2x4
BIPOT
R324
Leg 1: 6, 11, 12
Leg 2: 1, 4, 6
Leg 3: 2, 4
Leg 4: 1, 5, 12
Leg 5: 5, 7
Leg 6: 2, 3, 4
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 1, 4, 6
Leg 2: 2
Leg 3: 1, 5
Leg 4: 5, 7
Leg 5: 2, 3, 4
Leg 6: 3, 8
Leg 7: 1, 2, 5
PICK 6
R2160
Leg 1: 2, 4
Leg 2: 1, 5, 12
Leg 3: 5, 7, 11
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 5: 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9
JACKPOT 1
R180
Leg 1: 1, 5, 12
Leg 2: 5, 7, 11
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 4: 3, 4, 7, 8
JACKPOT 2
R360
Leg 1: 5, 7, 11
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 3: 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9