Not only is trainer Frank Robinson in charge of some of the country’s leading stayers, including World Pool Gold Cup runner up Shoot The Rapids, but he also has some promising up-and-coming three-year-olds in his yard.
Cats Pajamas has already captured the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes in his short career to and now gelded, could make an eye-catching return over the same track and trip, at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.
He may be facing a high-powered field in Race 5, a Graduation Plate over 1200m, but Cats Pajamas showed a bit of brilliance to beat Sean Tarry’s effervescent three-time winning gelding Dantonfromsandton to win that Grade 2 event and has proven his class on his side.
The three-year-old is a Rafeef/Var cross and could be a top sprinter in the making, especially as he has now been gelded. He is, however, returning from a break but Robinson has given him more of a chance by engaging Rachel Venniker who has a 1.5kg claim and he jumps from stall No 3, so much is in his favour.
Others with clear-cut claims include Happy Fortune (Race 1) and Artist’s Model (Race 2). Happy Fortune showed good pace to finish 3.60 lengths behind feature race placed The Ghost on debut. She stayed on strongly to oust way more experienced Panthera Uncia and had elder Flying Reign Storm soundly beaten.
She has the form, but even though she will be trying the Greyville bend, this still looks the right race for her.
The word has been out about Artist’s Model’s ability and accordingly he caught the eye on debut and almost won his second start. He must be above average for running so well over 1600m in just his second start and could now open his account.
Dapper has strong form and could make it tough. The pair have drawn alongside one another and could take the fight to the wire.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 5 Happy Fortune, 8 Panthera Uncia, 1 Yellow Jacket, 11 Getoffofmycloud
Race 2: 7 Artist's Model, 6 Dapper, 2 Hoodwinked, 4 See My Future
Race 3: 5 Perfectly Picked, 7 Syrian Steel, 12 Walkie Talkie, 9 Our Lady Fate
Race 4: 5 Quantifier, 3 French Trip, 2 Allaroundtheworld
Race 5: 3 Cats Pajamas, 2 Luneluck, 9 Luhamba Phambili
Race 6: 7 Ubukhwebezana, 3 Lady Heist, 4 Russian Doll
Race 7: 4 Petit Verdot, 8 Escapologist, 1 Vihaan's Queen, 2 Qondanekukhanyeni
Race 8: 3 Bom Bom, 2 Ingqwele, 8 Shotgun Willie, 7 Papa C
BEST BET
Race 2: 7 Artist's Model
VALUE BET
Race 8: 3 Bom Bom
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 6x7
BIPOT
R72
Leg 1: 1, 5, 8
Leg 2: 7
Leg 3: 5, 7, 9, 12
Leg 4: 3, 5, 6
Leg 5: 3
Leg 6: 3, 4, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R288
Leg 1: 7
Leg 2: 5, 7, 12
Leg 3: 3, 5, 6
Leg 4: 3
Leg 5: 3, 7
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 9
Leg 7: 2, 3, 7, 8
PICK 6
R2160
Leg 1: 5, 7, 9, 11, 12
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 3: 3
Leg 4: 3, 4, 7
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4, 8
Leg 6: 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12
JACKPOT 1
R72
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 2: 3
Leg 3: 3, 4, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 8
JACKPOT 2
R72
Leg 1: 3
Leg 2: 3, 4, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 8
Leg 4: 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12