Jack Milner
In general, getting bombed is not a good idea, whether it be courtesy of a rival air force or the over imbibing of alcohol.
But that is not the case in Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday where you can either have your bomb on the runway or with chocolate.
Chocolate Bomb and Runway Bomb race in a Novice Handicap over 1200m which is restricted to Maidens and one-time winners and although lightly raced both give the impression they have plenty more to offer.
Johan Janse van Vuuren trains Chocolate Bomb, a son of Lancaster Bomber who has only run twice. He finished second on debut before running out a comfortable two-length winner of his next start, and while both of those were over 1000m the fact he produced the fastest final 400m on both occasions, indicates he will relish the additional 200m.
Gavin Lerena rode him to victory last time and he is back on board again.
Runway Bomb is also by Lancaster Bomber and she began her career in Cape Town. After three moderate starts, she was transferred to Tony Peter’s Turffontein yard. She has had two starts on the Highveld, both on the Turffontein Inside track over 1200m, winning on debut and then finishing a 0.50-length third behind Ampersand.
Two winners have come from her winning run and with just 52kg on her back, Runway Bomb will be highly competitive. Jason Gates rode her last time and has picked up the ride again.
Whorly Whorly might be nine years old, but he is still enjoying his racing. He has raced 79 times for 11 wins and has garnered stake money of R990,625. So hopefully run No 80 which comes up in Race 8, a MR 75 Handicap over 1400m, that pushes his earnings over R1-million.
Trainer Clinton Binda admits that is his goal for the Great Britain gelding and with less than R10,000 needed, a win or second place will do the trick. He did run second over the course and distance last time in a similar event, so hopefully he can become one in a million and earn his retirement.
“We just don’t want to hurt him in the process. But I’m sure he’ll get there,” said Binda.
“Based on his last run, he’s definitely got a chance. He’s a big strong horse. But he is nine years old.
“His work is still good and he keeps on ticking along, but we will have to retire him sooner rather than later. He is still sound, and we are very happy with him.”
According to Binda, the straight 1400m at the Vaal is his best track and trip. “When his merit rating was still way over 100 he did his best work over the Vaal straight. That’s his best track and distance. He won a Listed race at that stage.
“Running off a 65 now when he peaked at 111, it’s basically half of what he was. But he still performs.”
Craig Zackey takes the ride.
According to Binda the ‘old man’ isn’t going anywhere after retirement. “He has a forever home. We keep him in work and run him every now and then, but time is not on his side.”
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 10 What A Lucy, 1 Daring Act, 7 Chilli Marmalade, 2 Jack Frost
Race 2: 4 Fushimi Inari, 5 Mvelelo, 2 Exhale, 1 Volte Face
Race 3: 6 Eiffel Tower, 9 Pocket Watch, 7 Griffin Park, 3 Circle Of Grace
Race 4: 12 Storm Player, 7 Jumping Analia, 1 Liberty Flag, 10 Out The Mist
Race 5: 4 Avoontoast, 3 Bold Fortune, 6 Ballroom Bliss, 5 Paton's Tears
Race 6: 2 Primrose Path, 6 Liverpool Legend, 7 Countess Danza, Leonessa
Race 7: 4 Chocolate Bomb, 7 Runway Bomb, 1 Moving In, 3 Fully Loaded
Race 8: 6 Whorly Whorly, 9 Written In Stone, 1 Viva De Janeiro, 4 Coming In Hot
Race 9: 5 Duenna, 12 Meet The Captain, 10 Big City Girl, 6 Count Your Chances
BEST BET
Race 4 No 12 Storm Player
VALUE BET
Race 8 No 6 Whorly Whorly
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 1x10
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 4, 5
Leg 2: 6, 7, 9
Leg 3: 12
Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 5: 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 6: 1, 4, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 6, 9
Leg 2: 12
Leg 3: 3, 4, 6
Leg 4: 2, 4, 6
Leg 5: 4, 7
Leg 6: 1, 6, 9
Leg 7: 5, 12
PICK 6
R1080
Leg 1: 12
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 3: 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 4: 1, 4, 7
Leg 5: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9
Leg 6: 5, 10, 12
JACKPOT 1
R360
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1, 4, 7
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9
JACKPOT 2
R180
Leg 1: 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 2: 1, 4, 7
Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9
Leg 4: 5, 10, 12