Jack Milner: Mike de Kock has constantly repeated he has a fantastic bunch of three-year-olds and although she has only raced twice, Florentine could be included in that group.
The daughter of Flower Alley bumped a good one on debut, coming up against Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Sweet Future, who then went on to win her next three starts, including a facile victory last time out in the Listed Bauhinia Handicap over 1000m on the Vaal Classic track.
In her next start, Florentine cruised a 2.25-length victory over Say When. That has turned out to be a very strong form line as fourth-placed Chloris went on to win her next start, third-placed Bella Black ran third next time out and then went beat Say When thereafter, while Say When followed that up with two consecutive victories.
Florentine will meet some talented opposition in Race 7 at Turffontein on Thursday, a Graduation Plate for fillies and mares over 1450m on the Inside track. With a merit rating of 84 she is not well weighted on paper, but she has to be a lot better than that rating and could well overcome the challenge given her.
Both her runs were over 1160m on the Standside track so she will be going around the turn for the first time. On breeding she should have no problem with the distance and Callan Murray should be able to give her lots of encouragement around the bend from draw No 3.
Sean Tarry has two runners, both of whom have loads of ability but appear problematic, in Ecstatic Green and Zimbaba.
There is not much wrong with Ecstatic Green’s form as she finished second to Vernichey in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m and at Scottsville and back on the Highveld, was touched off by War Of Athena at level weights in an Allowance Plate over 1200m on this track.
She was backed to start favourite in the Grade 3 Magnolia Stakes over 1160m on the Standside track in November but inexplicably failed to find a finish and followed that up with an unplaced run behind Zimbaba in the Swallows Stakes where she was reported not to be striding out.
She is the best handicapped runner and if she her finds her form, should go close.
Her stablemate appears a difficult ride but could be looking for this longer distance.
Ashley Fortune-trained Laetitia’s Angel is holding form and claims a 2.5kg apprentice allowance which should aid her cause.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 1 Lucy In The Sky, 10 Amplify, 4 Sea Island, 11 Shecandnceallnite
Race 2: 2 Freedom Of Choice, 4 Marigold Hotel, 7 Savage Love, 6 Rain In Holland