Dean Kannemeyer trained three-year-old Maphaka looked unlucky not to score on debut but looks set to shed his maiden at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
He lost ground, was making good progress before having to shift for a clear run and lost by 0.50 lengths to Silver Savage who had all the experience needed to win on this difficult track.
Maphaka will know all about it now and won’t have to weave his way to open his account in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1200m.
He appears the one to beat but it could pay to take the boxed Exacta with My Boy Lollipop.
He has done everything but win and races for in-form trainer Frank Robinson and owner Sid Moodley who recently captured the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes with Cats Pyjamas on Gold Cup day. He could be dangerous.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 8 Maphaka, 4 My Boy Lollipop, 2 Chief Inspector, 13 One Armed Bandit
Race 2: 9 Izibulo, 10 Safari Lodge, 4 Grand Occasion, 5 Long Street
Race 3: 9 Sun In My Pocket, 4 Hurricane Cat, 3 Feel The Wind, 1 Oh Yoko
Race 4: 1 Good Living, 3 Night Rocker, 10 Teriyaki, 2 Tibbott Bourke
Race 5: 10 Magma Magic, 2 Mc Dazzler, 4Always Shining, 6 Greenlight Express
Race 6: 4 Mamas Baby, 1 Million Voices, 3 Pantea, 8 Beaded Gown
Race 7: 5 Elembee, 2 Mascherina, 3 Virginia Sweet, 7 Cape Lights
Race 8: 4 Pilot Flame, 1 Gorgeous Girl, 2 Blue Horizon, 10 Dawn Surprise
BEST BET
Race 1 No 8 Maphaka
VALUE BET
Race 7 No 5 Elembee
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 9x10
BIPOT
R162
Leg 1: 8
Leg 2: 9, 10
Leg 3: 3, 4, 9
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4
Leg 5: 2, 4, 10
Leg 6: 1, 4, 10
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R324
Leg 1: 9
Leg 2: 4, 9
Leg 3: 1, 3
Leg 4: 2, 4, 10
Leg 5: 1, 3, 4
Leg 6: 2. 3. 5
Leg 7: 1, 2, 4
PICK 6
R1350
Leg 1: 3, 4, 9
Leg 2: 1, 3
Leg 3: 2, 4, 10
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4