Jack Milner: There is racing at Greyville on the Polytrack today and the way the bookmakers are betting, Anton Marcus is going to have a field day.
But while he might not win on every horse, he could get punters off to a great start in Race 1 where he rides Coup For Lute for trainer Tony Rivalland. Marcus rode the horse over 1200m at this track last time and was caught late. The drop to 1000m should be ideal for the three-year-old gelding.
Vista Nova looked the main threat but now the Gavin van Zyl has scratched Vista Nova, the way has been paved for Coup For Lute, despite a No 9 draw.
Marcus does have some decent rides on the card but his next best should come up in Race 5.
It’s rare to find a multiple champion jockey riding for a former multiple champion jockey but that is exactly what will happen in Race 5 where Marcus climbs aboard Jack’s Bird for Michael Roberts.
According to the statistics, Marcus has only ridden for Roberts once in the last two season and that resulted in a victory.
Followers of Jack’s Bird will be hoping to recoup their losses. She frustratingly threw away her last race by hanging badly after hitting the front at what looked the right time. She was well supported on that occasion over 1600m at this track but this time she will line up in a MR 93 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m.
Jack’s Bird proved more than a handful for rider Serino Moodley last time but with stronger handling, and racing over a distance in which she is unbeaten, she should “pay back the money”.
.
Jack Milner’s selection
Race 1: 9 Coup For Lute, 1 Afriel, 3 Rain Must Fall, 12 Battle Of Stirling
Race 2: 5 Catch The Willow, 9 Nirvana Girl, 2 Montfort, 4 Rock Flight