Rachel to strike at the VaalRACHEL VENNIKER

There are three races reserved for apprentices on Thursday’s card on the Vaal Classic course and many punters will be betting against Venniker returning to KwaZulu-Natal empty handed.

She is really good value for her 4kg allowance but bettors must be aware she has already ridden 19 winners and should she have one more, that allowance will drop to 2.5kg.

She has attracted a lot of attention from two former champion jockeys who are working closely with her – 11-time champion Michael Roberts as well as MJ Odendaal – both of whom are trainers in KZN.

Odendaal, in particular heaps praise on Venniker and is convinced she is the “real deal” and is South Africa’s answer to Hayley Turner.

Apart from giving Venniker basic advice, such as encouraging her to develop her core fitness and strength, Odendaal also assisted her to secure a sponsorship from Dacha South Africa.

Her best ride could come up in Race 6, an Apprentice Classified Stakes over 1450m, where she will ride Dark Travel for trainer Brett Webber.

This Trippi filly came up from the Western Cape but has yet to win on the Highveld. However, her merit rating has come down to a more competitive level and she looks ready to win a race of this nature.

She has also been forced to overcome wide draws in her last few starts but did produce the fastest 400m to finish in her previous two race. This time Venniker will jump from No 1 draw, a great advantage over this 1450m as they have around 100m to run before hitting the turn.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 8 Definitely Maybe, 7 By Crikey Man, 4 Twice A Miracle, 1 Montbleu

Race 2: 8 Leeson, 4 Magnum P I, 3 Admiral Dooley, 6 Cross Examiner

Race 3: 8 Monashada, 2 Willow Lane, 3 Maboneng, 1 Fasinada

Race 4: 2 Willow’s Wish, 6 Safe Passage, 1 Infinite Wonder, 7 Fsquadron

Race 5: 5 Secret Is Ours, 4 Blue Moon City, 1 Flying Grace, 7 Tinder Dry

Race 6: 6 Dark Travel, 4 Miracle And Wonder, 3 Eastern Belle, 1 Flinders Range

Race 7: 8 Phoenix, 2 May Queen, 4 Now You See Me, 7 Spiritofthegroove

Race 8: 2 Tallinn, 3 Sprinkles, 1 Hollywoodbound, 6 Meet The Captain

BEST BET

Race 1 No 8 Definitely Maybe

VALUE BET

Race 8 No 2 Tallinn

BEST SWINGER

Race 4 2×6

BIPOT

R162

Leg 1: 8

Leg 2: 3, 4, 8

Leg 3: 2, 3, 8

Leg 4: 2, 6

Leg 5: 1, 4, 5

Leg 6: 3, 4, 6

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 4, 8

Leg 2: 2, 8

Leg 3: 2

Leg 4: 4, 5

Leg 5: 3, 4, 6

Leg 6: 2, 4, 8

Leg 7: 1, 2, 3

PICK 6

R1920

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 8

Leg 2: 2, 6

Leg 3: 1, 4, 5, 7

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 6

Leg 5: 2, 4, 8

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

JACKPOT 1

R160

Leg 1: 2, 6

Leg 2: 1, 4, 5, 7

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 6

Leg 4: 2, 4, 7, 8, 9

JACKPOT 2

R400

Leg 1: 1, 4, 5, 7

Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 6

Leg 3: 2, 4, 7, 8, 9

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6