Racing in the Western Cape has been plagued by wet weather of late and the abundance of water on the tracks resulted in their last two meetings being abandoned.
The clouds have parted, there was no rain forecast for Tuesday and with a 3% chance for Wednesday, all looks good for Kenilworth meeting on the Winter Course.
However, there has been 152mm of rain in the last seven days and yesterday’s penetrometer reading was 30. So, despite the sunshine the going is expected to be soft.
The other concern is the fitness of the horses, many of whom have been unable to put in the necessary work.
Jockey Grant van Niekerk might be unhappy Linebacker failed to win last Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July but he has a fine card of rides and could, in fact, ride the second Jackpot.
Jackpot 2 kicks off in Race 5 where Van Niekerk rides Tripple Jet for Candice Bass-Robinson. He has been very consistent in recent starts and after close-up finishes under Craig Bantam in stronger races, is likely to be rewarded in this MR 80 Handicap over 1600m.
In Race 6, a MR 75 Handicap over 1400m, Van Niekerk rides Double Charge who ran on from a long way back when finishing behind Bey Suyay last time. With the weight turnaround Double Charge should be able to turn the tables.
In Race 7, a FM 78 Handicap over 1000m, Van Niekerk partners Winter Furi who went down 0.40 lengths to Chilly Winter last time. Van Niekerk’s mount loves the wet and is 0.5kg better off.
The best could be Dancetildaylight in Race 8, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m. After an eye-catching debut second over 1000m, this filly will not be winning out of turn.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 6 La Banquiere, 1 Son Of Silk, 2 Travel Master, 5 Hereditary
Race 2: 14 Star Master, 16 Van Hunks, 3 Buster Keaton, 13 Sage King
Race 3: 4 Demelza, 8 Louis’ Diamond, 1 Captain’s Flower, 10 Peut Etre Moi