Jack Milner
Raven Black did look to be one of the standout bets on today's Vaal card but the Brett Crawford-trained runner has been withdrawn for Race 7, a Middle Stakes over 1200m on the Classic track.
That has opened the door somewhat and the scratching has paved the way for Aussenkehr, Back In Business and Cosmic Star to fight it out.
Aussenkehr is trained by Tony Peter and has performed superbly since moving up to Joburg. He has notched up four wins in that period and has only once finished out of the top three, and that was in the Listed Golden Loom Handicap when fifth behind Dyce.
Joe Soma-trained Back In Business is certainly no slouch and he has won three of his four starts. His lone defeat came against Dave The King in a Graduation Plate where he had to meet the incredibly well weighted winner at level weights.
The son of William Longsword bounced back to win his next start.
Johan Janse van Vuuren trains Cosmic Star and this gelding's last win was over this course and distance. That was back in May but he looked pretty sharp when a 0.20-length second behind Sea Anemone last time out.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 4 Courageous, 11 Aurum Damsel, 12 Kakiebos, 1 Freedom Square
Race 2: 2 Remains Of The Day, 1 Policy Of Truth, 3 Eiger Sanction, 12 Plenilunio
Race 3: 7 Outer Dimension, 5 Azaleas For All, 1 The Work Of Life, 11 Forgiveness
Race 4: 1 Ideal Future, 4 Explosive Bond, 8 Lady Zultanite, 10 Skyfull
Race 5: 2 Futurewolff, 4 Sparkling Jubilee, 1 Jury's Out, 11 Della's Sword
Race 6: 2 House Of Romanov, 8 Kudzu, 4 Eiffel Tower, 3 Jordan
Race 7: 1 Aussenkehr, 5 Back In Business, 8 Cosmic Star, 3 Fire 'N Flames
Race 8: 1 Chasing Happiness, 2 There She Goes, 10 Dancing Arabian, 7 Mia Fiore
BEST BET
Race 8 No 1 Chasing Happiness
VALUE BET
Race 5 No 2 Futurewolff
BEST SWINGER
Race 8 1x2
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 4, 11, 12
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3
Leg 3: 5, 7
Leg 4: 1, 4
Leg 5: 1, 2, 4, 11
Leg 6: 2, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R288
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3
Leg 2: 5, 7
Leg 3: 1, 4
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4
Leg 5: 2, 8
Leg 6: 1, 5
Leg 7: 1
PICK 6
R900
Leg 1: 1, 5, 6, 7, 11
Leg 2: 1, 4, 8
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 11
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 5: 1, 5, 8
Leg 6: 1
JACKPOT 1
R180
Leg 1: 1, 4, 8
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 11
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 4: 1, 5, 8
JACKPOT 2
R60
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 11
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 3: 1, 5, 8
Leg 4: 1