Melech ready to reign at the Vaal

Jack Milner

There is a belief in some quarters that if you include words like “champion” or “superstar” when you name a horse, it will live up to its epithet.

There were others who feel the opposite is true and we ended up with horses named Goat, among others.

Of course, no animal has an iota of clue what his or her name might mean but it is interesting to note that Roy Magner has a three-year-old called Melech, who has raced twice, finishing a promising second on debut and then improving next time to run out an easy winner, beating Slinky Mapimpi by 1.25 lengths.

Whether it was intended or not, the word Melech, is the Hebrew word for “king”. While William Longsword – the equine version is the sire of Melech – was not officially a king, he was the Duke Of Normandy and ruler of the region.

The other point of interest is that Duke William Longsword’s mother was named Poppa Of Bayeux, Melech’s dam is named Pippi.  

Melech was not the only winner to come out of his debut run as that winner, Fostinovo, went on to beat Corvette Captain in his next start.    

So, Magner’s charge clearly has a lot of potential and perhaps is one who could live up to his name.

He comes out again in Race 8 at the Vaal on Thursday, a MR 84 Handicap over 1200m on the Classic track. This is quite a useful field and will provide a proper test for this three-year-old gelding.

He will also be racing around the turn for the first time but is well drawn at No 2 and has Muzi Yeni in the irons.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 1 Heart And Mind, 9 Prayuponastar, 2 Smelting, 7 Chilly Princess

Race 2: 1 Tre Amici, 11 Southern Style, 3 Magwinya, 7 Full Go

Race 3: 8 Save The Queen, 11 Turnthebeataround, 10 Tree Fairy, 9 Three Strands

Race 4: 5 Archimides, 6 Fog Bank, 7 Magic Prince, 1 Godfather

Race 5: 8 Future Pearl, 4 Meridius, 1 Bey Suyay, 7 Sequoia

Race 6: 3 Trust The Fire, 5 Quick Run, 4 Looking Hot, 7 Bridge Of Spies

Race 7: 3 Mythical Dream, 6 Dancing Dora, 1 Rozara, 5 Rose For Trippi

Race 8: 6 Melech, 4 Rimaah, 2 On Cue, 8 Mescal

Race 9: 7 Raratonga Rose, 4 Flag Bearer, 10 Mirren, 9 Linganomore

BEST BET

Race 5 No 8 Future Pearl

VALUE BET

Race 9 No 7 Raratonga Rose

BEST SWINGER

Race 4 5x6

BIPOT

R144

Leg 1: 1, 11

Leg 2: 8, 10, 11

Leg 3: 5, 6

Leg 4: 8

Leg 5: 3, 4, 5

Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 6

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R144

Leg 1: 8, 11

Leg 2: 5, 6

Leg 3: 8

Leg 4: 3, 5

Leg 5: 1, 3, 6

Leg 6: 4, 6

Leg 7: 4, 7, 10

PICK 6

R900

Leg 1: 5, 6, 7

Leg 2: 8

Leg 3: 3, 4, 5, 7

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 5: 2, 4, 6, 

Leg 6: 4, 7, 9, 10, 11

JACKPOT 1

R60

Leg 1: 8

Leg 2: 3, 4, 5, 7

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 4: 2, 4, 6

JACKPOT 2

R300

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 7

Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Leg 3: 2, 4, 6

Leg 4: 4, 7, 9, 10, 11