Origin to do it first for Smith

Jack Milner

It is becoming as regular as clockwork but once again Friday’s Fairview meeting, which was scheduled for the turf, has been moved to the Polytrack.

As a result, there are 14 withdrawals from the meeting with those trainers citing “change of surface” as their reason.

Included in that 12 are all five of Justin Snaith’s runners, many of which looked strong betting opportunities for punters.

However, the battle of the trainers continues with just one winner separating Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff.

Once again Smith has the advantage in the early races but Greeff will fight back later on the card.

Running juveniles in open company has not been successful for Smith recently but that can change in Race 4 as his charge, First Origin, is talented and could be a lot better than his current merit rating.

First Origin impressed on debut when slamming a field that included a number of runners who have won subsequently.

The son of What A Winter fluffed his lines in a feature race at Kenilworth in January and was gelded after that. The comeback when third behind reliable Fair Knight on the Polytrack suggested he was on the way back to best form.

Fitter now and reunited with the jockey Louie Mxothwa who was aboard him when winning on debut, should result in a big run.

Greeff does hold chances all through the meeting but one that does catch the eye is Grazinginthegrass in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m, with Richard Fourie in the irons.

Grazinginthegrass is one runner who will not mind the shift to the Polytrack as he is equally comfortable on both surfaces.

The five-year-old gelding is in the form of his life and has won his last two Pinnacle Stakes without picking up a penalty.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 1 Telio, 3 Miss Tucker, 2 Lady Chartouche, 8 Fire Glow

Race 2: 1 Amazing Colours, 2 Baby Love, 6 Fire Chaser, 8 Tibetan Temptress

Race 3: 6 Aadehya, 3 Gangster Boss, 1 Miraculous Man, 2 Western Jack

Race 4: 2 First Origin, 6 Woodland Ridge, 7 Coastal Path, 8 Pomodoro Magic

Race 5: 11 Lady Mistico, 6 Unconditional Love, 9 Eternity Ring, 10 Dancetildaylight

Race 6: 5 Alingalonga, 6 Secret Is Ours, 1 Moon Game, 9 Silver Tycoon

Race 7: 1 Grazinginthegrass, 7 Cherry Ano, 13 Ideal Angel, 11 Zig Zag

Race 8: 1 Phoenix, 4 Hey Siri, 6 Get It Done, 5 Dame Of Flames

BEST BET

Race 4 No 2 First Origin 

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 5 Alingalonga

BEST SWINGER

Race 2 1x2

BIPOT

R48

Leg 1: 1, 3

Leg 2: 1, 2

Leg 3: 6

Leg 4: 2

Leg 5: 6, 9, 10, 11

Leg 6: 1, 5, 6

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 6

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 6, 9, 11

Leg 5: 1, 5, 6

Leg 6: 1, 7, 13

Leg 7: 1, 4, 5, 6

PICK 6

R1000

Leg 1: 3, 6

Leg 2: 2

Leg 3: 2, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9

Leg 5: 1, 7, 11, 13

Leg 6: 1, 4, 5, 6, 15

JACKPOT 1

R100

Leg 1: 2

Leg 2: 2, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9

Leg 4: 1, 7, 11, 13

JACKPOT 2

R500

Leg 1: 2, 6, 7, 10, 11

Leg 2: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9

Leg 3: 1, 7, 11, 13

Leg 4: 1, 4, 5, 6, 15