Grand Empire stands out at Turffontein

Jack Milner

There are two meetings at Turffontein coming up over this New Year’s weekend, the first on Thursday and the second on Saturday.

Both meetings are on the Standside track but one needs to be cautious because there are some runners with double engagements. The problem for trainers is that with all the rain, not only have they had issues training their horses but they are never sure if the meeting will take place or be washed out halfway through the meeting.

As a result, they are forced to squeeze their inmates into whatever race they can find available. In addition, owing to all the holidays declarations for future meetings have had to be done early and that has put further pressure on stables.

In fact, the card for the Vaal on 6 January has already been finalised and there are a number of these runners carded to race at that meeting.

The bottom line is one needs to check the scratchings for all meetings before planning one’s bets.

There are some decent opportunities available at both Turffontein meetings, starting off with Grand Empire in Race 5, a MR 96 Handicap over 1600m, on Thursday’s card.

Grand Empire, a Vercingetorix gelding, is the best bet on the programme and a horse whose progress it should pay to follow. He backed up a winning debut with an emphatic handicap success over 1400m, displaying both class and authority.

The step up to 1600m is also a positive - rather than a question mark - so everything about his profile suggests further progress is imminent.

Trainer Sean Tarry had high praise for this improving three-year-old after his last win and clearly much more can be expected.

The yard is in as good form as the current weather will allow and Craig Zackey, who rode Grand Empire to victory last time, will be back in irons once again.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Custodian, 5 No Drama, 6 Ocean Mistress, 1 Caladrius

Race 2: 3 Anahita, 5 Sikeloi, 10 Blooming Lovely, 7 Utsaah

Race 3: 5 Lance Alot, 9 Jaffa, 4 Space Mission, 11 Hat And Heels

Race 4: 6 Merryweather, 2 Blizzard Quest, 5 Express Yourself, 3 Zip Code

Race 5: 6 Grand Empire, 1 Max The Magician, 2 Pioneer Square, 5 Player

Race 6: 1 Teo Torriatte, 5 Dimako's Jet, 11 Artic Silver, 8 Kissing Machine

Race 7: 4 Top Shelf Teddy, 6 Surprise Party, 7 Pepper Tree, 3 Littlemisssplendid

Race 8: 1 Peace Treaty, 4 Majalun, 5 Casus Belli, 10 Hat Furious

Race 9: 10 Al Greenga, 3 Ringa Ringa Roses, 5 Russian Nobility, 2 United Offer

BEST BET

Race 5: 6 Grand Empire

VALUE BET

Race 6: 1 Teo Torriatte

BEST SWINGER

Race 1 2x5

BIPOT                          

R216

Leg 1: 3, 5, 6

Leg 2: 4, 5, 9

Leg 3: 2, 6

Leg 4: 6

Leg 5: 1, 2, 5, 11

Leg 6: 4, 6, 7

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 4, 5, 9

Leg 2: 2, 6

Leg 3: 6

Leg 4: 1, 5, 11

Leg 5: 4, 6

Leg 6: 1, 4, 5

Leg 7: 3, 5, 10

PICK 6

R1920

Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 6

Leg 2: 6

Leg 3: 1, 2, 5, 8, 11

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

Leg 5: 1, 4, 5, 10

Leg 6: 2, 3, 5, 10

JACKPOT 1

R120

Leg 1: 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 5, 8, 11

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

Leg 4: 1, 4, 5, 10

JACKPOT 2

R480

Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 8, 11

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

Leg 3: 1, 4, 5, 10

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 10