Jack Milner
Highveld-based gelding Willow Express is the lone raider in Race 7 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, a MR 94 Handicap over 1600m.
However, Sean Tarry’s charge has had 16 starts over the distance and while placing in half of them has yet to notch up a win.
So, although Willow Express’ merit rating has come down markedly, it could be worth relying on Kitchakal, who is maturing nicely and could prove difficult to beat.
After a promising start Kitchakal was taken to the Western Cape by trainer Duncan Howells to test his strengths. He turned in performances of high value and the run that stands out is his second place, beaten a neck in a Progress Plate over 1400m, by recent Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Winchester Mansion.
He also ran second to Narina Trogon in the Newlands Stakes, finishing ahead of King Regent who subsequently was runner-up in the Listed East Cape Guineas and recently was only just ousted in the Grade 3 Winter Mile. Kitchakal has won his only race over the course and distance and clearly was in need of the run coming back from a break when 3.40-lengths behind well-bred Celestial City over 1400m.
Willow Express has dropped in the ratings and should be in the money but trainer Tarry’s best runner on the day looks to be four-year-old Freedom Square in Race 4, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1400m.
The opposition looks decidedly thin.
Freedom Square came on nicely in her second start after a rest. She is a lightly raced four-year-old having only had four runs. Despite drifting markedly in the betting last time from 28-10 to 8-1, she put up a really good effort over this course and distance with Lyle Hewitson up to finish third, beaten just 1.65 lengths by Mountainsofthemoon.
She had the speed to overcome her No 8 gate, travelling well ahead of Madame Pompadour and not far off the frontrunner and never weakened when asked for an effort. She jumps from the same barrier position this time and has Richard Fourie in the irons on this occasion.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 2 Star Performer, 11 Champonelle, 9 Beamonesque, 12 King Of The Gauls
Race 2: 6 Captain's Christy, 7 Ancient Epic, 1 Sabatini, 4 Sweet Symphony
Race 3: 9 Jane's Vision, 7 Fire Phoenix, 11 Kian's Pride, 4 Maggie Smith
Race 4: 8 Freedom Square, 3 Beach Landing, 9 Flower Festival, 4 Valli Gal
Race 5: 6 Im The Buzz, 5 Alittlebitnaughty, 8 Hugsandhighfives, 7 Bitcoin Baby
Race 6: 4 Princess Azariah, 2 If You Say So, 12 Sacred Lily, 11 La Dreamer
Race 7: 7 Kitchakal, 1 Aurora Storm, 10 Ideal Act, 8 Willow Express
Race 8: 4 Senor Garcia, 2 Northern Warrior, 1 L'Ultimo, 12 Sea Vista
BEST BET
Race 1 No 2 Star Performer
VALUE BET
Race 5 No 6 Im The Buzz
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 6x7
BIPOT
R384
Leg 1: 2
Leg 2: 6, 7
Leg 3: 4, 7, 9, 11
Leg 4: 3, 8, 9
Leg 5: 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 6: 2, 4, 11, 12
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R324
Leg 1: 6
Leg 2: 7, 9, 11
Leg 3: 3, 8, 9
Leg 4: 5, 6, 8
Leg 5: 2, 4
Leg 6: 1, 7
Leg 7: 1, 2, 4
PICK 6
R1920
Leg 1: 4, 7, 9, 11
Leg 2: 3, 4, 8, 9
Leg 3: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 4: 2, 4, 12
Leg 5: 1, 7
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 12
JACKPOT 1
R120
Leg 1: 3, 4, 8, 9
Leg 2: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 3: 2, 4, 12
Leg 4: 1, 7
JACKPOT 2
R120
Leg 1: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 2: 2, 4, 12
Leg 3: 1, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 12