Jack Milner
The Fantastic Mr Fox is a children’s story by Roald Dahl and was made into an animated movie with George Clooney doing the voiceovers for the title character.
It’s a story that starts badly but ends well for the Fox family and that looks to be the same as his equine namesake who will be lining up on the Polytrack at Fairview on Monday in Race 6, a MR 86 Handicap over 2000m.
The three-year-old Canford Cliffs gelding began his career in Cape Town and looked pretty average. In retrospect, those runs were not all bad as they were behind the likes of Zeitz (a winner at HWB Greyville on Durban July) and Native Ruler (sixth in the Durban July, beaten less than four lengths).
Mr Fox then moved to Alan Greeff in the Eastern Cape and after two ordinary early starts, he was then tried over further than sprint distances. He ran third over 1400m and, when put over 1600m on the Polytrack, he romped to a 7.25-length victory.
Greeff then decided to try him over further, entering him in a race over 1900m on the turf. Once again Mr Fox was up to the task and ran out a facile winner, beating Home Reef by 4.75 lengths.
Those two wins have seen his merit rating climb by 15 points but the manner of his victories, especially on the Polytrack, gives one the impression he will be up to the task.
Richard Fourie is on board once again.
Greeff and Fourie could also be on the mark in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m, where Mercantour will be taking his place. The Var gelding arrived at Greeff’s yard as a six-time winner and the trainer has already added another two victories to his name. He looks like he still has more to offer.
The five-year-old gelding placed in his first two starts in the province but the step up to 1200m on the Polytrack saw him win easily. He followed up with another smooth victory over 1400m a couple of weeks later. Fourie has partnered him in both winning starts and while No 10 draw is clearly not ideal, he quickens well, and if within striking range, he can win again.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 1 Casino King, 5 Olive Oyl, 4 Zambezi Sunset, 2 Larius Lacus
Race 2: 3 Prince Antonio, 8 The Roaring Rock, 1 Flight Engineer, 7 Blind Faith
Race 3: 1 Genteel, 6 Pardon Me, 4 Prolific Star, 3 Global Drumbeat, Pibe De Oro
Race 4: 7 Ice Cap, 8 Take Your Time, 10 Colorama, 5 Lady Luck
Race 5: 5 Royal City Girl, 6 Above The Horizon, 2 Green Okra, 8 Arividicio
Race 6: 2 Mr Fox, 4 Slainte Mhath, 8 Red William, 6 Haarlem
Race 7: 1 Mercantour, 2 Silver Falcon, 5 USA's Hope, 4 Golden Link
Race 8: 2 Articuno, 5 Priscilla Maisey, 8 Enchanting Lady, 4 Project Runway
BEST BET
Race 6: 2 Mr Fox
VALUE BET
Race 4: 7 Ice Cap
BEST SWINGER
Race 3 1x6
BIPOT
R180
Leg 1: 1, 5
Leg 2: 1, 3, 8
Leg 3: 1, 6
Leg 4: 2, 4, 7, 8, 10
Leg 5: 2, 5, 6
Leg 6: 2
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R72
Leg 1: 3, 8
Leg 2: 1, 6
Leg 3: 7, 8, 10
Leg 4: 2, 5, 6
Leg 5: 2
Leg 6: 1
Leg 7: 2, 5
PICK 6
R896
Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 6
Leg 2: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 3: 2, 5, 6, 8
Leg 4: 2
Leg 5: 1, 2
Leg 6: 2, 4, 5, 8
JACKPOT 1
R56
Leg 1: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 2: 2, 5, 6, 8
Leg 3: 2
Leg 4: 1, 2
JACKPOT 2
R32
Leg 1: 2, 5, 6, 8
Leg 2: 2
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 2, 4, 5, 8