Jack Milner: Odd Rob will turn 10 years old on 1 August, but this old fellow has lost none of his zest for racing.
Considering the length of his career, he has only run 57 times for eight wins and 25 places.
Of course, had this gelding been racing in the UK by now he may have had a second career in jump races. He may have been an ideal jumper as he does not lack stamina and could be the runner, they all have to beat in Race 6 on the Vaal Classic track on Tuesday, a Middle Stakes over 2400m.
As is so often the case with these kinds of races, this is an open affair and one could make a winning case for all nine runners.
With trainer Gary Alexander saddling three of the runners – Odd Rob, Top Shot and Zeal And Zest – the stable have a great chance at winning this race. Alexander has also engaged three top jockeys with Lyle Hewitson, Gavin Lerena and Cape Town Met winning jockey Luke Ferraris on his respective mounts.
Odd Rob has a lot in his favour as he is in excellent form right now. His last five races have produced a win and four seconds, so he should be in the shake-up.
Mike de Kock also has two runners although Pomander did run on Saturday and she might now line-up for this race. If she does, she needs to be included as her merit rating is falling to a level which will make her competitive. In fact, she is the best handicapped runner in this line-up.
His other runner is Port Key who must be a massive runner based on his last win. He coasted home by three lengths from re-opposing Gold Griffin and could easily repeat that run.