Justin and Candice set for competitive day

With racing returning to Kenilworth after a long stint at Durbanville, luck becomes less of a factor, especially where draws are concerned, and that has encouraged the two trainers to get their charges prepared for the upcoming season.

At Durbanville all races are around the turn while at least at Kenilworth races from 1000m to 1200m are run on a straight course. 

Snaith looks set to get off to a flying start in Race 1, where he sends out Gertrude Bell who is expected to make the expected improvement after a promising debut third.

This Kingsbarns filly drifted in the betting ahead of her introduction over 1250m at Durbanville but, once the penny had dropped, produced a late burst to close within a length of the winner – who has won again – beaten just 0.70 lengths at the line.

Stable jockey Richard Fourie would have learned a lot about Gertrude Bell on that occasion and it is no surprise that he continues his partnership with the filly, who should open her account.

In Race 2, Snaith and Bass-Robinson could fight it out as T’Challa and Firealley are joint favourites at 17-10. Bass-Robinson-trained Firealley has the better exposed form as he has placed behind the likes of Invincabelle, but he has not raced since August.

T’Challa found solid betting support on debut and could be considered unlucky not to have made a winning start to his career, having met with interference at the 400m mark before charging home late. He would have come on since and should go one better.

As the day continues there will be more competitive challenges for the two trainers and should make for an entertaining day’s racing.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 4 Gertrude Bell, 1 Halliberry, 3 Forgetful Girl, 2 Arendelle

Race 2: 12 T’Challa, 2 Firealley, 7 Emperors Decree, 9 Lord Marmite

Race 3: 14 Magical Midlands, 7 Firstamongequals, 9 Gimme A Dancer, 2 Essos

Race 4: 4 Perfect Princess, 9 So Flawless, 5 Kayc Al, 3 Kunming

Race 5: 4 Night Song, 1 Half And Half, 2 Silver Sky, 3 Celtillus

Race 6: 4 Rocket Girl, 1 Secret Depths, 2 Gimme Gimme Gimme, 5 Quickstep Lady

Race 7: 5 Bad Habit, 6 Dad’s Catch, 4 Look To, 3 Dark Crystal

Race 8: 4 Social Butterfly, 8 Fours A Crowd, 9 Viridian Light, 5 Iris

BEST BET

Race 1 No 4 Gertrude Bell

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 4 Rocket Girl

BEST SWINGER

Race 2 2×12

BIPOT

R54

Leg 1: 4           

Leg 2: 2, 12

Leg 3: 14

Leg 4: 4, 5, 9

Leg 5: 1, 2, 4

Leg 6: 1, 2, 4

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 12

Leg 2: 14

Leg 3: 4, 5, 9

Leg 4: 1, 2, 4

Leg 5: 1, 2, 4

Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 7: 4, 8, 9

PICK 6

R1600

Leg 1: 14

Leg 2: 3, 4, 5, 9

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10

Leg 5: 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9

JACKPOT 1

R320

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 9

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10

Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 6

JACKPOT 2

R400

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 2: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10

Leg 3: 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9