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