It is Wimbledon week in the world of tennis, and it is fitting that Sharapova has found her best form of late and looks set to win Race 8, a MR 80 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday.
For those who don’t follow tennis, Maria Sharapova was a former world No 1 and won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of just 17, famously defeating Serena Williams. The equine Sharapova, trained by Alan Greeff, has won two of her last three starts, including a victory last time out over 1200m on this surface under current jockey Kendall Minnie.
The well-bred Querari mare will need to see off stable companion Arabian Red and consistent Nemorosa.
As is often the case, Greeff has a strong hand throughout the card. Dubai Hills should go close in Race 5, a MR 82 Handicap over 1200m. Jockey Xolani Ndlovu has developed a solid partnership with the four-year-old gelding, who has won two of his last three starts and continues to improve – suggesting there may be more wins to come.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 9 Celtique, 3 Battle Of Britain, 7 Cheap Thrills, 2 Global Scene
Race 2: 7 Alex Miller, 1 American Matador, 2 Global Drumbeat, 4 Prince Antonio
Race 3: 2 Beach Queen, 4 Ruby Claire, 3 Amanatto, 5 Dancing In Winter
Race 4: 5 Thunder Master, 2 Swiss Walt, 6 Munchkin, 9 Casino Ace
Race 5: 1 Dubai Hills, 9 Beechamwood Boy, 6 Indebe Mayibuye, 5 Masked Vigilante
Race 6: 1 Silva City, 7 Cape Capri, 3 Jade's Caberneigh, 2 Her Royalty
Race 7: 3 Honorable Member, 6 First Wish, 2 Lotus Island, 8 Call To Glory
Race 8: 3 Sharapova, 5 Arabian Red, 10 Umzolozolo, 11 Nemorosa
BEST BET
Race 3: 2 Beach Queen
VALUE BET
Race 4: 5 Thunder Master
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 1x7
BIPOT
R144
Leg 1: 3, 9
Leg 2: 1, 7
Leg 3: 2
Leg 4: 2, 5, 6
Leg 5: 1, 6, 9
Leg 6: 1, 2, 3, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R162
Leg 1: 1, 7
Leg 2: 2
Leg 3: 2, 5, 6
Leg 4: 1, 6, 9
Leg 5: 1, 3, 7
Leg 6: 2, 3, 6
Leg 7: 3
PICK 6
R640
Leg 1: 2
Leg 2: 2, 5, 6, 9
Leg 3: 1, 5, 6, 9
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 5: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Leg 6: 3, 5
JACKPOT 1
R320
Leg 1: 2, 5, 6, 9
Leg 2: 1, 5, 6, 9
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
JACKPOT 2
R160
Leg 1: 1, 5, 6, 9
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 7
Leg 3: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Leg 4: 3, 5