Jack Milner
There was a lot to like about the manner in which Precocious won her first start on the Highveld for trainer Tony Peter.
The three-year-old daughter of Ideal World began her career in the Western Cape, finishing 2nd on debut over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in March last year. She was given a short break and was sent off a 15-10 favourite to win her second race which was over 1400m. After racing prominently, she faded out last to go down 3.25 lengths to Take It As Red.
Her third and final race in Cape Town was over 1200m in heavy going at HWB Kenilworth on 10 July and although she led through the 400m mark, she faded late once again to finish fifth.
In retrospect, that run might have been a lot better than people believed at the time because the winner of the race was Wish List, who six months later went on to win the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes with the likes of Rainbow Lorikeet and Double Grand Slam behind her.
Meanwhile, Precocious transferred to the Peter’s Turffontein yard in December and had her first run for the stable in a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m at that track on 11 January.
It was an amazing performance. She jumped slowly after receiving a bump at the start but Gavin Lerena had her on front ging through the halfway mark and she ran away from the opposition to win by 4.25 lengths.
Considering she won in yielding going her time of 57.17 seconds was pretty decent. In fact, there were five races over 1000m on the card and hers was the second fastest time.
She did receive a 3.5kg penalty for the victory but the manner of that win was so emphatic that she is fully expected to follow up when she contests a Race 8, a MR 74 Apprentice Handicap over 1000m at the Vaal Classic track on Thursday.
She has been allotted top weight of 63kg but as she will have apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson aboard this time she will be the beneficiary of a 4kg claim and will come in with just 59kg on her back.
Her winning chances have been enhanced with the scratching of Pivotal Role and Precocious looks to be a banker in all bets.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 2 Annewithan E, 6 Falconfly, 3 Futurewolff, 4 World Order
Race 2: 4 Winter Wedding, 6 Cranberry Point, 5 Cool Reggae, 2 Made To Measure
Race 3: 7 Anonymous, 5 Underdog, 10 Terrence, 1 Indian Spice
Race 4: 2 Dimako's Jet, 1 Future Date, 5 Art Nouveau, 6 Ancient Wisdom
Race 5: 10 Kensal Green, 4 Duchess Of Paloma, 5 Surprise Party, 7 Special Star
Race 6: 8 Wayne, 1 Money Heist, 6 Birthright, 4 Tenjiku
Race 7: 2 Never Never Land, 4 Monkey Puzzle, 8 Dondoyaki, 6 Peregrine Falcon
Race 8: 1 Precocious, 6 Inafix, 5 Blindfire, 7 Tiger Storm
BEST BET
Race 8: 1 Precocious
VALUE BET
Race 5: 10 Kensal Green
BEST SWINGER
Race 6 1x8
BIPOT
R324
Leg 1: 2, 6
Leg 2: 4, 5, 6
Leg 3: 1, 4, 9
Leg 4: 1, 2, 5
Leg 5: 4, 5, 10
Leg 6: 1, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 4, 5, 6
Leg 2: 1, 4, 9
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 4, 5, 10
Leg 5: 1, 8
Leg 6: 2, 4
Leg 7: 1
PICK 6
R600
Leg 1: 1, 4, 5, 9, 10
Leg 2: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8
Leg 3: 4, 5, 7, 10
Leg 4: 1, 8
Leg 5: 2, 4, 8
Leg 6: 1
JACKPOT 1
R120
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8
Leg 2: 4, 5, 7, 10
Leg 3: 1, 8
Leg 4: 2, 4, 8
JACKPOT 2
R24
Leg 1: 4, 5, 7, 10
Leg 2: 1, 8
Leg 3: 2, 4, 8
Leg 4: 1