Puller’s Predator to reach his apex

Jack Milner

As is so often the case with midweek meetings on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Wednesday’s features some highly competitive racing.

However, while he looks certain to go off at a short price, bettors can get out of the blocks early with Garth Puller-trained Apex Predator in Race 1, a Maiden Plate who looks hard to beat.

After finishing runner-up in his last three, Apex Predator - who has a solid cruising speed - can open his account in what will be his first go on the Polytrack.

In his penultimate he was beaten by Warhead, a smart sort in the making for trainer Alyson Wright and just behind him was Paul Lafferty’s forward What A Winter-colt Immah, who came out to beat him in his next start and is also headed for a decent future.

Apex Predator has also drawn well in gate No 3 and will be ridden by Siphesihle Hlengwa who rode him in his last two starts.

Mo King, drawn No 4, finished 9.30-lengths behind Apex Predator in his last start but that was on the turf and as he was unlucky not to win over the course and distance a few starts back he looks the natural Exacta choice.

Cappellino, jumping from pole position, looks held having finished 2.20-lengths behind Apex Predator the time they met.

For a bit of value, watch out for Ladybug in Race 5. She ran out a convincing winner on the poly second time out before travelling nowhere as well when switching to turf around a month ago.

The late racing four-year-old is unexposed having just her fourth career start and she could bounce back in no uncertain terms on the Polytrack.

It is also interesting that first-choice jockey is aboard Ladybug instead of Rafeef’s Choice. The latter raced on the weekend and might not take his place.

Jack Milner's selections

Race 1: 3 Apex Predator, 4 Mo King, 1 Cappellino, 2 Bandmaster

Race 2: 9 Sovereign Command, 2 Amor Fati, 3 Isikwishikwishi, 5 Kinnikinnik

Race 3: 8 Sacred Lily, 7 Walkie Talkie, 5 Perfectly Picked, 3 Silver Jubilee

Race 4: 2 English Primrose, 3 Canford Queen, 7 Doctor's Orders, 5 Lady Is A Champ

Race 5: 1 Ladybug, 6 Rafeef's Choice, 2 Sweet Julia, 5 Mamas Baby

Race 6: 8 Savantrix, 6 Mr Henley, 1 One Too Many, 2 Ultra Quick

Race 7: 4 Miss Platina, 5 Safe And Sound, 1 Petit Verdot, 6 Grandi Orecchie

Race 8: 3 Dont Judge, 5 Wave Warrior, 7 King Bavarian, 1 Duke Of Africa

BEST BET

Race 1 No 3 Apex Predator

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 1 Ladybug

BEST SWINGER

Race 4 2x3

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 3

Leg 2: 2, 3, 9

Leg 3: 3, 5, 7, 8

Leg 4: 2, 3

Leg 5: 1, 2, 6

Leg 6: 1, 6, 8

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R243

Leg 1: 9

Leg 2: 5, 7, 8

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 1, 2, 6

Leg 5: 1, 6, 8

Leg 6: 1, 4, 5

Leg 7: 3, 5, 7

PICK 6

R1944

Leg 1: 3, 5, 7, 8

Leg 2: 2, 3, 7

Leg 3: 1, 2, 6

Leg 4: 1, 6, 8

Leg 5: 1, 4, 5

Leg 6: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

JACKPOT 1

R81

Leg 1: 2, 3, 7

Leg 2: 1, 2, 6

Leg 3: 1, 6, 8

Leg 4: 1, 4, 5

JACKPOT 2

R162

Leg 1: 1, 2, 6

Leg 2: 1, 6, 8

Leg 3: 1, 4, 5

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8