Jack Milner
Bettors are confronted by a nine-race card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday but not everything looks gloomy on this midweek card.
Soft tracks and competitive racing are the norm at this time of year in the Western Cape, but as usual, a few runners catch the eye.
The most interesting event on the card comes up in Race 6, a B Stakes over 1000m. What is interesting is that the leading contenders have raced against one another a number of times and there is quite a bit of collateral form.
The bad news is that at the weights, there is actually very little to choose between them and it could all come to which horse gets the best ride and the most good fortune.
The three runners who stand out are The US Of A, Tanneron and Flying Finley but based on the fact that he has the best draw of the trio, it could be worth going with Paul Reeves-trained Flying Finley.
The three-year-old Oratorio gelding has only raced eight time for two wins and five places and he could have a lot more to come. Three runs back he beat The US Of A but the latter got his revenge in their next start, beating Flying Finley by three lengths.
However, this time Reeves’ charges is 3kg better off and that brings then close together. He also does have a better draw but on the other hand, it could be significant that Richard Fourie, who rode Flying Finley last time, has elected to ride The US Of A for Patrick Kruyer.
Gareth Wright will be aboard Flying Finley this time.
Of course, we also have Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Tanneron, who has been in top form of late although he did disappoint last time when beaten three lengths by Dean Street over this trip. While he has run well over 1000m, Tanneron does give the impression he would prefer a little further.
In Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, Iko Iko could prove to be a cut above his rivals. The Fire Away gelding has been somewhat disappointing in that he has yet to win a race, but a step up in distance and a change of rider could make the difference.
He didn’t show his usual pace last time out, and it’s surprising that blinkers haven’t been tried on him. However, he will get every assistance in the saddle from jockey Grant van Niekerk.
In Race 2, a D Stakes over 1800m, Glen Kotzen-trained State Capitol can finally notch up her second win,
The five-year-old mare is takin on the boys but she does come into the race as the best weighted runner and can get back into the No 1 box with Wright in the irons.
The best bet on the card comes up in Race 4 where trainer Justin Snaith sends out consistent Gold Giboski in an Open Maiden over 1600m.
The Gold Standard colt is reliable and should enjoy the run of the race from pole position. Championship-chasing jockey Gavin Lerena gets a second chance to win on him and he is helped by the fact that this is not the strongest of fields.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 4 Iko Iko, 9 Mount Augustus, 5 Time Honored, 8 World Warrior
Race 2: 3 State Capitol, 7 Cosmic Rhythm, 1 Mela Strength, 4 Naretoi
Race 3: 3 Heavenly Mafia, 7 Sesame, 4 Mighty Mary, 5 Zena's Act
Race 4: 1 Gold Giboski, 10 Royal Dawn, 9 Superhero, 3 Smart Horse
Race 5: 6 Not Wanted, 4 Wood World, 2 Two A Penny, 8 Heliotrope
Race 6: 3 Flying Finley, 5 The Us Of A, 7 Tanneron, 2 Peace Of Mind
Race 7: 5 Lovers Lane, 9 Royal Lytham, 10 Champagne Mac, 6 Timeline
Race 8: 3 Carriacou, 7 Honor Of Kings, 2 Late December, 9 Commanding
Race 9: 9 Rhydian, 2 Firingonallengines, 1 African Prince, 7 Counter Attack
BEST BET
Race 4: 1 Gold Giboski
VALUE BET
Race 5: 6 Not Wanted
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 4x9
BIPOT
R243
Leg 1: 1, 3, 7
Leg 2: 3, 4, 7
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 2, 4, 6
Leg 5: 3, 5, 7
Leg 6: 5, 8, 9
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 3, 7
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 2, 4, 6
Leg 4: 3, 5, 7
Leg 5: 5, 9
Leg 6: 3, 7
Leg 7: 1, 2, 9
PICK 6
R960
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Leg 3: 3, 5, 7
Leg 4: 5, 8, 9, 10
Leg 5: 2, 3, 7, 9
Leg 6: 1, 2, 7, 9
JACKPOT 1
R240
Leg 1: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Leg 2: 3, 5, 7
Leg 3: 5, 8, 9, 10
Leg 4: 2, 3, 7, 9
JACKPOT 2
R192
Leg 1: 3, 5, 7
Leg 2: 5, 8, 9, 10
Leg 3: 2, 3, 7, 9
Leg 4: 1, 2, 7, 9