Mac Hardy to win again

Mac Hardy rewarded followers with his maiden win after a fair debut second – a race which he could have won if he wasn’t so green – and he still appears nowhere near a finished product. He ranged up to the frontrunners but had to be pushed out to change gears and even though an easy winner, looked to have plenty in the tank.

On Monday he Andre Nel-trained gelding runs in a handicap on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Granted, Race 2 is a lowly MR 65 Handicap, but the shorter 1100m trip will be quicker and he will need to up his game. He should be super fit now and the faster pace should be even better for this well-bred son of Vercingetorix.

Afropolitan, while not expected to jump at overly generous odds in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1800m, could still be the value proposition in his heat. He was expected to win soon after finishing a clear second three few runs back but then tried 2300m on grass and the run pushed him back somewhat.

As a result, he ran below par when back on the Polytrack last time out.

What is interesting is that when he finished second, which was on this surface, he had Vihaan’s Grey almost 11 lengths behind him. Yet last time he could do no better than run 4.70 lengths off Vihaan’s Grey when only 3kg worse off.

Zakho and Ultimate Jewel have also improved and may be the main fancied runners but Afropolitan, having proven himself over the longer distance, could come up trumps.

He runs in Race 3, 35 minutes after Mac Hardy’s sprint so it could be worth taking the double.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 7 Saka Gold, 5 Don't Linngar, 1 Raptor Island, 6 Creator

Race 2: 2 Mac Hardy, 1 Gimme A Rainbow, 6 Leslies Pathtofame, 8 Gunsmoke

Race 3: 6 Afropolitan, 1 Zakho, 4 Ultimate Jewel, 5 Blitzen

Race 4: 11 Sea Goddess, 12 Pirate Prince, 6 Fever, 1 Lord Minver

Race 5: 4 Toto, 8 Retail Therapy, 3 Acacia's Blossom, 5 Aisling

Race 6: 3 Global Secret, 5 Quiz Master, 2 Fiery Duke, 10 White Cedar

Race 7: 10 Count Marsh, 1 Juan Carlos, 9 The Appeal, 5 Mr Molony

Race 8: 3 Valerias Dream, 5 Family Favourite, 6 Fabulous, 4 Let It Snow

BEST BET

Race 1 No 7 Saka Gold

VALUE BET

4 No 11 Sea Goddess

BEST SWINGER

Race 1 5x7

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 7

Leg 2: 1, 2

Leg 3: 1, 4, 6

Leg 4: 6, 11, 12

Leg 5: 3, 4, 5, 8

Leg 6: 2, 3, 5

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 2

Leg 2: 1, 6

Leg 3: 6, 11, 12

Leg 4: 3, 4, 8

Leg 5: 2, 3, 5

Leg 6: 1, 9, 10

Leg 7: 3, 5

PICK 6

R2304

Leg 1: 1, 4, 6

Leg 2: 1, 6, 11, 12

Leg 3: 3, 4, 5, 8

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 10

Leg 5: 1, 9, 10

Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 6

JACKPOT 1

R192

Leg 1: 1, 6, 11, 12

Leg 2: 3, 4, 5, 8

Leg 3: 2, 3, 5, 10

Leg 4: 1, 9, 10

JACKPOT 2

R192

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 8

Leg 2: 2, 3, 5, 10

Leg 3: 1, 9, 10

Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 6