Jack Milner
While there are only seven races at the Vaal on Thursday, they do appear to be quite competitive.
Headlining the card on the Classic track is Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m, and sadly three scratchings have seen this field reduced to just six runners. Nevertheless, it remains a decent field but one needs to give considerable thought as to what kind of pace this small field is likely to produce.
That is relevant because two of the key players have not won over the distance and a pedestrian pace could well bring them into the reckoning.
Eye Of The Prophet caused a major upset last season when coming up trumps in the Grade 2 World Sports Betting Gauteng Guineas, holding off favourite Royal Victory by a short head at odds of 33-1.
However, when next going 1800m in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic, he moved up at the 400m but had little in the tank late in the race and finished a 2.50-length fourth behind Anfields Rocket. He then failed to stay in the WSB SA Derby and was then rested.
Eye Of The Prophet made a winning comeback over 1450m on the Inside track at Turffontein but then disappointed in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1700m on the Vaal track, finishing fifth, but beaten just 1.25 lengths by Melech.
Duke Of Sussex is very much in the same boat. He has won up to 1600m but has finished unplaced in three starts over the 1800m. However, if the pace is not on, it could assist both of them.
But based on form and distance Flashy Apache could be the one to beat. While he has placed four times in five starts over 1800m, he has not won over the trip, but he has triumphed twice over 2000m, so the distance will be no problem.
His last start was in that race won by Melech where he was a fast-finishing third, beaten just 0.40 lengths. He had Eye Of The Prophet 0.85 lengths behind him and as they meet at the identical weights over 100m further, Tyrone Zackey’s charge should be able to confirm that form.
Jeffrey Syster rode the five-year-old Apache gelding on that occasion and he is back in the irons once again.
Interestingly, filly Emirate Gina is the best weighted runner. Fillies get a 2.5kg allowance and that sees her come in with just 50kg on her back.
Roy Magner’s charge ran some excellent races as a three-year-old but then lost her form towards the end of last season but also did not have much luck.
Two runs back, however, she did finish a 1.75-length third behind Bless My Stars in a Pinnacle Stakes and Sean Tarry’s charge went on to run third in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and then ran out an easy winner of the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet.
Emirate Gina went on to run in the Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes but suffered interference at the 700m and ended up near the back of the field.
She should not have any issues with the distance and has a good record at this course, which includes a victory over Feather Boa when winning her maiden.
Muzi Yeni takes the ride, and this filly needs to be included in all larger exotic perms.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 1 Tamil Tigress, 5 Storm Player, 2 Pass The Baton, 3 Contra Fiscum
Race 2: 3 Babylon, 2 Here With Me, 10 Sovereigns Call, 1 Lt Alexander
Race 3: 1 Village Green, 9 Crystal Maiden, 5 Villa Semaya, 6 Courageous
Race 4: 4 Scarlett Pimpernel, 1 Purple Pitcher, 7 Kudzu, 6 I Spied
Race 5: 4 Flashy Apache, 9 Emirate Gina, 1 Eye Of The Prophet, 2 Duke Of Sussex
Race 6: 1 Rain Or Shine, 2 Here Is The Tiger, 5 Care Taker, 3 Dungeons
Race 7: 4 Arividicio, 3 Scallywag, 6 Kotinos, 8 Funky Music
BEST BET
Race 2 No 3 Babylon
VALUE BET
Race 7 No 4 Arividicio
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 3x3
BIPOT
R192
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 3
Leg 3: 1, 5, 6, 9
Leg 4: 1, 4, 7
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4, 9
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 5
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R243
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 3
Leg 3: 1, 5, 6, 9
Leg 4: 1, 4, 7
Leg 5: 1, 4, 9
Leg 6: 1, 2, 5
Leg 7: 3, 4, 6
PICK 6
R2250
Leg 1: 3
Leg 2: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9
Leg 3: 1, 4, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg 6: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
JACKPOT 1
R450
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9
Leg 2: 1, 4, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
JACKPOT 2
R450
Leg 1: 1, 4, 7
Leg 2: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8