If the first-timers aren’t ready, then Highveld raider Heirloom should start things off nicely for favourite players in Race 1 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday.
The Robyn Klaasen-trained filly has run four good races in a row, it must be said she has run against some strong opposition and should be hard to beat in this Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m.
Her second start, when 1.75 lengths third to Mrs Geriatrix, stands out. Not only has Mrs Geriatrix come out to win the Listed Ruffian Stakes and is headed for better things but runner-up Exchange Student won his maiden in his next start.
Kabelo Matsunyane take the ride.
The local runner with claims on form, Jet Bund, has battled to find the top three in all four of his starts but he has proven stamina over 1200m whereas it will be the first time Heirloom tries the distance.
Being by Oratorio, she should have no problem on pedigree.
Klaasen also brings down What A Winter gelding Tanganga and this runner also looks a livewire in his heat. He started off his career a bit quietly for trainer Paul Peter but once gelded made a winning debut for Klaasen with a top finish. In his penultimate, before a no-show over further, he produced a sparkling finish to win going away and looked headed for the next level.
From the best of the draws he could be too speedy for local opposition in Race 5, a MR 80 Handicap over 1200m.
While most of the field he meets are horses who have lost a bit of spirit recently, Intrepid, who took on high-class opposition earlier in his career, suddenly bounced back with an encouraging run at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Dropped in the ratings he could be coming back to best.
Spring Kiss and Fields Of Green could fight out Race 3 and is also a Swinger worth taking but when Keagan de Melo rides for Alyson Wright most sit up and take notice. They team up with well-bred Silvano filly Lady Of The Sword who like the above-mentioned Western Cape fillies, won’t need to produce a career best to dominate this race.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 5 Heirloom, 1 Helsinki, 8 Jet Bund, 2 King Of Seville
Race 2: 3 Lady Tiptree, 2 Southern Cape, 4 Desert Rose, 8 Zinikele
Race 3: 6 Fields Of Green, 3 Lady Of The Sword, 5 Spring Kiss, 4 Adelante
Race 4: 10 Lord William, 3 Fast Love, 5 Mr Pigalle, 2 Ralph The Rascal
Race 5: 1 Tanganga, 2 Intrepid, 3 Northern Warrior, 5 Patronage
Race 6: 4 Maquette, 2 Princess Tea, 5 Get In The Q, 8 Bonne Bouche
Race 7: 4 Exceeder, 1 Master Tobe, 5 Iron Will, 3 Devils And Dust
Race 8: 4 Hey Bill, 5 Arverni King, 9 Grimaldi, 3 Tom Bombadil
BEST BET
Race 1 No 5 Heirloom
VALUE BET
Race 6 No 4 Maquette
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 3x10
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 5
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4
Leg 3: 3, 5, 6
Leg 4: 3, 10
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 5
Leg 6: 2, 4, 5, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4
Leg 2: 6
Leg 3: 3, 10
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3
Leg 5: 2, 4, 5
Leg 6: 1, 4
Leg 7: 4, 5
PICK 6
R1296
Leg 1: 3, 5, 6
Leg 2: 3, 10
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 4: 2, 4, 5, 8
Leg 5: 1, 4, 5
Leg 6: 4, 5, 9
JACKPOT 1
R144
Leg 1: 3, 10
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 3: 2, 4, 5, 8
Leg 4: 1, 4, 5
JACKPOT 2
R216
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 2: 2, 4, 5, 8
Leg 3: 1, 4, 5
Leg 4: 4, 5, 9