The importance of backing Oscar for Grand Heritage

Firstly, it is the only race open to a field of 28 horses and secondly, along with the Heritage Consolation, it is run over the exclusive distance of 1475m.

This year, however, only 17 horses accepted to run but this is good news for punters. There is R1-million kick-starting the Pick 6 at the Vaal on Saturday with the pool expected to reach R5 million.

With fewer runners in the Race 7, the WSB Grand Heritage, this bet will be simpler to catch.

The Grand Heritage is one of three Non-Black Type features on the card, the others are the Heritage Consolation and the WSB Sophomore 1000 for three-year-olds over 1000m.

I’m not sure whether playwright Oscar Wilde ever had a bet, but it must have been a punter he was thinking about when he remarked: “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you place the blame.”

His equine namesake runs in the Grand Heritage and bookmakers have priced him up as the 7-2 favourite.

So, if he does lose, cast the first stone in their direction. 

Even though Oscar Wilde is 1.5kg out of kilter with most of the other runners, Mike de Kock’s charge is the one to beat. This son of Dynasty does have ability, but he also seems to have his issues.

The four-year-old gelding has raced just six times for two wins, two places and two fifths. He won on debut in November last year but then was not see again until August. He was also gelded in this off period.

What is important is that he is striking form at the right time, and he has run well at this course. In fact, last time out with Gavin Lerena up, Oscar Wilde came from last over 1400m at this track and got up on the line to beat Rock Of Africa.

In his penultimate start, over 1600m up the Vaal straight and his first in blinkers, Oscar Wilde was caught quite late and went down 1.50 lengths to War Jewel. There were excuses, he hung in and then cast a shoe in running.

He could be better than his merit rating of 82 suggests and he will be carrying just 52kg. Callan Murray takes the ride.

Corne Spies has his runners in good form and he sends out What You Are. She was rated as high as 109 at one stage but lost her form and is currently running off a merit rating of 93. PIere Strydom has ridden her in three of her last four starts and she has placed in all three.

Her last start, when a 0.75-length second behind Fire And Ice in a Graduation Plate over 1200m, was most encouraging and this daughter of Captain All looks to be peaking at the right time.

Strydom is back on board although the one concern could be that she jumps from No 1 draw. Depending on where the good going is, that could work either for her or against her.

Other horses with decent chances are Expressfromtheus, Rouge Allure and Full Mast.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 1 Bella Black, 11 All Aglow, 14 High Born Lady, 12 Destiny Rules
Race 2: 17 Spartan Warrior, 1 Successful Secret, 20 Varatti, 16 Raisetheredlantern
Race 3: 6 Sweet Future, 3 Varina, 1 Stellar Motion, 10 Persica
Race 4: 2 The Contractor, 7 Namaqualand, 9 Money Fighter, 5 Written In Stone
Race 5: 2 Gimmethegoahead, 7 Florida Keys, 1 Purple Panther, 8 Forever Light
Race 6: 8 Sweet Sensation, 7 Greens, 6 Anna Capri, 2 Captain Morisco
Race 7: 13 Oscar Wilde, 9 What You Are, 1 Expressfromtheus, 3 Rouge Allure
Race 8: 1 Pure State, 2 Rock The Globe, 9 Push Off, 8 Dark Tide
Race 9: 1 Making A Scene, 5 Loving The Victory, 3 Wherestheregold, 10 Letas Magic

 BEST BET

Race 5 No 2 Gimmethegoahead

VALUE BET

Race 8 No 1 Pure State

BEST SWINGER

Race 5 2×7

BIPOT

R288

Leg 1: 1, 16, 17, 20

Leg 2: 3, 6

Leg 3: 2, 5, 7, 9

Leg 4: 2

Leg 5: 6, 7, 8

Leg 6: 1, 9, 13

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 6

Leg 2: 2, 5, 7, 9

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 7, 8

Leg 5: 1, 9, 13

Leg 6: 1, 2, 9

Leg 7: 1, 3, 5 

PICK 6

R1680

Leg 1: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14

Leg 2: 2

Leg 3: 6, 7, 8

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 9, 13

Leg 5: 1, 2, 8, 9

Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 10

JACKPOT 1

R60

Leg 1: 2

Leg 2: 6, 7, 8

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 9, 13

Leg 4: 1, 2, 8, 9

JACKPOT 2

R240

Leg 1: 6, 7, 8

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 9, 13

Leg 3: 1, 2, 8, 9

Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 10

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