Improving La Moohal Stands out

Jack Milner

Racing fans are in for a huge treat on Saturday as not only is there a nine-race card at Turffontein but the world’s richest meeting, the Dubai World Cup will feature prominently on the day.

The nine-race card comprises some of the best horses in the world and the meeting culminates with the $12-million Dubai World Cup over 2000m on the dirt.

It is a Hong Kong World Pool meeting so South African punters will be able to bet into massive pools with TAB.

Racing at Turffontein is on the Inside track and while there are no feature races – all that will be happening the following week with Champions Day – we will be treated to an interesting nine-race card which is headed up by two Middle Stakes, one over 1700m and the other over 1200m.

Pyromaniac will be a popular choice to win Race 6 over 1700m. Sean Tarry and Gavin Lerena join forces and this five-year-old son of Silvano is undoubtedly the runner to beat.

However, he could be put under pressure by Mike de Kock-trained La Moohal, who is getting better with each start.

He looked pretty ordinary at the start of his career but once fitted with blinkers the three-year-old Vercingetorix gelding took on a whole new persona.  

La Moohal looked particularly impressive when romping to a three-length victory over Laughing William. He will be tested in this field but De Kock is known for throwing his runners into the deep end to get a genuine understanding of their ability.

Apprentice Malesela Katjedi takes the ride for the first time.

A merit rating drop and an equipment change has brought about a change in fortune for Weichong Marwing inmate Run For Cover, who forms half of a strong stable coupling in Race 9, a MR 72 Handicap over 1450m.

This Erupt gelding finished a staying-on third over 1200m at this venue three starts back with blinkers fitted for the first time and confirmed that improvement by winning over 1450m at his next start, before maintaining his form and consistency under a resultant penalty with a creditable fourth over 1600m on 14 March.

A return to 1450m with Fourie booked for the ride bodes well for his chances.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Fatal Flaw, 4 Sonic Jet, 3 Oxalis Gold, 5 Varvara

Race 2: 4 Legend Of Arthur, 6 Pibe De Oro, 7 Sakurajima, 5 One And All

Race 3: 2 Someday Maybe, 1 Empressofnormandy, 6 Dragon Dragon, 3 Lady Greensleeves

Race 4: 4 Strewn Sky, 1 Theres A Light, 9 The Playboy Bomber, 2 Viva La Victor

Race 5: 1 Halberdier, 5 Circus Lights, 7 Samthewiseman, 9 Twice As Wild

Race 6: 8 La Moohal, 1 Pyromaniac, 2 Silent War, 9 Player

Race 7: 7 Libeccio, 6 A Place In The Sun, 2 Priceless, 4 Pewter Sky

Race 8: 3 Zinovi, 4 Tsar Bomba, 1 Aussenkehr, 2 Karangetang

Race 9: 3 Run For Cover, 12 Count Your Chances, 1 Feel All Right, 6 Arividicio

BEST BET

Race 2 No 4 Legend Of Arthur

VALUE BET

Race 7 No 7 Libeccio

BEST SWINGER

Race 2 4x6

BIPOT

R96

Leg 1: 4

Leg 2: 1, 2, 6

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 5, 7, 9

Leg 5: 1, 8       

Leg 6: 2, 4, 6, 7

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 1, 5, 7

Leg 4: 1, 8

Leg 5: 6, 7

Leg 6: 1, 3, 4

Leg 7: 1, 3, 12

PICK 6

R1575

Leg 1: 1

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

Leg 3: 1, 2, 8

Leg 4: 2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Leg 5: 1, 3, 4

Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12

JACKPOT 1

R225

Leg 1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9

Leg 2: 1, 2, 8

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

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4

JACKPOT 2

R315

Leg 1: 1, 2, 8

Leg 2: 2, 4, 6, 7, 9

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4

Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12