Make an October date in the sun

Whether by accident or design, it does seem a coincidence that October Sun, in his second racecourse appearance, is running on Sunday at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Coincidence or not, the well related son of Erupt appeals as the best bet on what at first glance appears a perilous 10-race programme.

Trained by Nathan Kotzen who has had enough winners to suggest the yard may be firing on all cylinders after a few quiet seasons, October Sun, is related to among others, Grade 1 Gold Medallion winner Tempting Fate. Incidentally the latter hit winning form again, beating a strong field last weekend.

October Sun was given a tough task on debut, jumping from the widest gate, but he quietly cut through the field to take second place, showing plenty of quality on the turf at Greyville.

It must be a sign of the confidence the stable has in him for the three-year-old is quickly tried on the Polytrack and considering the field he meets, should really get the job done with Muzi Yeni in the irons.

He takes his place in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1400m.

The interview with trainer Peter Muscutt after Street Art won his maiden was quite interesting. He hinted at the possibility that the young son of Elusive Fort could reach for bigger purses in the Western Cape in the coming months. The gelding had disappointed earlier but it was the longer trip that brought out his best last time. He impressed coming from near the tail of the field to win going away.

It’s not unusual for an improving youngster to beat a weak field but it is his pedigree that suggests he has more to come. He is related to horses like prolific stayer Flying First Class and Padre Pio who finished second in both the SA Guineas and Grade 1 Daily News 2000.

And he could not be meeting a weaker bunch than he does in Race 5, a MR 67 Handicap over 2000m.

When Sikhulu last ran over 1200m on the Polytrack at Greyville he found only one better in Proud Master who beat him by 1.40 lengths, although he was progressing nicely at the business end of that race. He gave that rival 1.5kg and so was expected to turn the form around the next time he raced in that class. But it was on the turf and different tactics were tried and he ended up a 2.55-length fourth.

He is finally back on the Polytrack, racing over 1100m in Race 7, a MR 95 Handicap, and having dropped in the ratings could upstage a stronger field as he looks to be well in carrying just 54.5kg.

Pedro is worth a look in Race 10, a MR 63 Handicap over 1400m. He ran above his rating last time and the effort came from the widest gate on the turf. He has won on both surfaces and looks the livewire in the race.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 4 Taste Maker, 6 Mia Sophia, 5 Cape Princess, 8 Kabon Kapi

Race 2: 1 Eugene, 8 Agressivo, 4 Captains Walk, 6 Ndabezitha

Race 3: 2 October Sun, 3 Allaroundtheworld, 4 Fleet Commander, 1 Geronimo

Race 4: 6 High Moon, 1 With Pleasure, 2 Wave Warrior, 8 Banzai Pipeline

Race 5: 2 Street Art, 4 Lucretius, 5 National Dream, 6 In With A Chance

Race 6: 7 One Too Many, 3 Valiente, 10 Iron Bark, 9 Ride The Lightning

Race 7: 5 Sikhulu, 2 Winter Flight, 3 It's About Time, 6 Dandolo

Race 8: 4 Winter Journey, 7 Kileigh's Fate, 6 Casa Rosada, 5 Time Chaser

Race 9: 1 Gin And Tonic, 7 Splash Of Green, 2 Winter's Destiny, 5 Kingsmeads Krystl

Race 10: 7 Pedro, 9 Movie Magic, 4 Brave Voyager, 2 Fever

BEST BET

Race 3 No 2 October Sun

VALUE BET

Race 2 No 1 Eugene

BEST SWINGER

Race 3 2x3

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 1, 4, 6, 8

Leg 2: 2

Leg 3: 1, 6

Leg 4: 2, 4, 5

Leg 5: 3, 7, 10

Leg 6: 2, 3, 5

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 2

Leg 2: 1, 6

Leg 3: 2, 4, 5

Leg 4: 3, 7, 10

Leg 5: 2, 5

Leg 6: 4, 7

Leg 7: 1, 2, 7

PICK 6

R1728

Leg 1: 1, 2, 6, 8

Leg 2: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 3: 3, 7, 10

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5

Leg 5: 4, 6, 7

Leg 6: 1, 2, 5, 7

JACKPOT 1

R108

Leg 1: 2, 4, 5, 6

Leg 2: 3, 7, 10

Leg 3: 2, 3, 5

Leg 4: 4, 6, 7

JACKPOT 2

R180

Leg 1: 2, 3, 5

Leg 2: 4, 6, 7

Leg 3: 1, 2, 5, 7

Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9