Jack Milner: Trainer Garth Puller could be set for a double on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday when he saddles two above-average runners.
While all eyes will be on Captain Fontane in Race 8, Puller looks set to claim the honours in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, where he sends out Bristolbeaufighter.
The three-year-old Judpot gelding has raced three times, all at Scottsville, and made good improvement in his second start when producing the strongest finish to end up a 1.05-length second to Crested Eagle. The winner franked that form when running second in a Non-Black Type event and then a fourth in the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over this course and distance.
Ignore his next start, which was over 1750m. He moved up well and then did not seem to see it out. Nevertheless, Bristolbeaufighter finished a fair fourth.
Captain Fontane is unbeaten in three starts and despite this being his second start after a long layoff, he looks far too classy for his opposition.
He was all set to jet off for an international career but the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to that plan. But, despite the disappointment, it is South Africa’s gain as we will be able to follow his career closely.
He runs in Race 8, a MR 99 Handicap over 1400m and he teams up once again with Ashton Arries, who won on him last time over 1200m at Scottsville. On paper, his 0.90-length victory over Hooves Of Troy might not look all that impressive but he had plenty In hand.
The move up to 1400m should not be of concern as he is a full-brother to Snowdance, who was probably at her best over the distance with two wins and a second in her three starts over 1400m.
It will be interesting to see what “bigger things” his connections may have in mind for Captain Fontane.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 8 Shield Maiden, 3 Winter Journey, 6 Ride The Lightning, 5 Pantea
Race 2: 1 Bristolbeaufighter, 12 Coin Spinner, 3 Lord Varys, 9 Senor Garcia
Race 3: 4 Mashari, 2 Desolate Road, 5 Ramchandani Road, 8 Gimme A Rainbow
Race 4: 2 Princess Anastasia, 6 Time To Roll, 3 Umkhomazi, 4 Maria Corolina
Race 5: 3 Silver Maria, 6 Crimea, 5 Gardenia, 2 Integrity
Race 6: 6 Jacob’s Ladder, 10 Space News, 4 Uplifted, 2 Mystery Boy
Race 7: 1 Shavout, 8 Sir Michael, 7 African Sunrise, 3 Magical Midlands
Race 8: 6 Captain Fontane, 4 Mr Fitz, 7 Petra, 10 Good Rhythm
BEST BET
Race 8 No 6 Captain Fontane
VALUE BET
Race 3 No 4 Mashari
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 3×8
BIPOT
R324
Leg 1: 8
Leg 2: 1, 3, 12
Leg 3: 2, 4, 5, 8
Leg 4: 2, 3, 6
Leg 5: 3, 5, 6
Leg 6: 4, 6, 10
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R243
Leg 1: 1, 3, 12
Leg 2: 2, 4, 5
Leg 3: 2, 3, 6
Leg 4: 3, 5, 6
Leg 5: 4, 6, 10
Leg 6: 1
Leg 7: 6
PICK 6
R1680
Leg 1: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 6
JACKPOT 1
R240
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Leg 4: 1
JACKPOT 2
R48
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 6