Get Lucky at the Vaal

Jack Milner

Trainer Lucky Houdalakis looks to have two well-placed runners in Wild Intent and Francilien in action at the Vaal on Tuesday. The pair are improving nicely and rate big chances in their respective heats.

After winning his 1200m debut in good fashion Wild Intent was backed into favourite when the then young three-year-old was upped in trip and class. It was a tall order, but he showed fair potential when running fourth in a race over 1400m that is now proving to be a strong form line.

Captainofthegreen and Happy Mo came out to win competitive assignments straight after. The Gimmethegreenlight gelding was then raced around the turn again and he again made good progress to finish third behind useful Chestnut Bomber.

In Race 4, a MR 81 Handicap over 1700m, he looks to be in the right level of competition. Hard knockers Luthuli is in good form and rates the main danger.

Marco van Rensburg takes the ride once again.

Francilien gives the impression she will need further in time to come. Not only is she related to Oaks winners but she also relaxes in her races. Still, she is by What A Winter out of a Var mare and Houdalakis has kept her to sprints for now.

She took over late in her last start and while she takes a leap in class in Race 7, a MR 93 Handicap over 1200m, she could settle, even in a faster run affair.

Interestingly, leading rider Gavin Lerena doesn’t ride her this time. He gets a leg over similarly named Francine who earlier in her career showed fair promise. Instead, she gets the services of Girish Samo-Burthia who brings the big benefit of claiming 4kg. That means she will carry just 50.5kg and as a result she should be difficult to get past.

She rates a banker in all bets.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 4 Sonic Jet, 5 Saudi Sweep, 6 Zalta Star, 15 Shamoon

Race 2: 13 On Target, 1 Highveld Storm, 7 Mizzen Sword, 12 Majalun

Race 3: 5 Frozen Fantasy, 4 We Are The Logans, 6 Moola Man, 2 Presley

Race 4: 2 Wild Intent, 1 Luthuli, 8 Guy Alexander, 4 Safe Space

Race 5: 9 Flag Bearer, 2 Mambo Come Tesio, 6 Fushimi Inari, 3 Banha Bridge

Race 6: 2 Johnny Appleseed, 3 Var Park, 1 Address The Nation, 4 Sea Shanty

Race 7: 5 Francilien, 3 So Seductive, 10 Calantha, 1 Where's The Party

Race 8: 1 Blizzard Snow, 4 Striking Angel, 3 Executrix, 2 Inventrix

BEST BET

Race 7 No 5 Francilien

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 9 Flag Bearer

BEST SWINGER

Race 4 1x2

BIPOT

R270

Leg 1: 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 1, 7, 13

Leg 3: 4, 5, 6

Leg 4: 1, 2

Leg 5: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

Leg 6: 2

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R144

Leg 1: 1, 7, 13

Leg 2: 4, 5

Leg 3: 1, 2

Leg 4: 2, 3, 6, 9

Leg 5: 2

Leg 6: 5

Leg 7: 1, 3, 4

PICK 6

R1440

Leg 1: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 8

Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3

Leg 5: 5

Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

JACKPOT 1

R72

Leg 1: 1, 2, 8

Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3

Leg 4: 5

JACKPOT 2

R120

Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3

Leg 3: 5

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5