Strydom to strike at Vaal

Jack Milner

Despite heading towards the sixth decade age-wise jockey Piere Strydom has lost none of his proficiency and is probably enjoying himself more than ever before.

True, he does have a weight issue so cannot always pick up some of the plum rides, but he really looks to be having the time of his life.

He can pick and choose when he wants to ride and, as is the case with tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, relishes being able to show the youngsters that there is still life in the old boy yet.

On Thursday at the Vaal he has four rides, but his best looks to come up in Race 8, a MR 80 Handicap over 1600m, where he is aboard Bacchus for trainer Fabian Habib.

The three-year-old gelding showed signs of ability when third on debut and there was decent improvement when scoring second time out.

That was at Turffontein over 1400m when a well-backed and an easy winner in June.

He had a break and missed his intended reappearance but did run at the end of October at Turffontein when runner-up and only 0.50 lengths behind Heather's Boy at Turffontein over 1600m.

That winner is very highly regarded, and Bacchus will strip fitter this time and can go one better.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 10 My One And Only, 8 Blazing Beauty, 6 Panthera Uncia, 2 Chilli Marmalade

Race 2: 5 Bourbon Reserve, 3 Tiger Storm, 7 Green Cherry, 9 Cyber Spirit

Race 3: 7 Santiago's Pride, 5 Future Knight, 8 Another Universe, 9 Snow Moon

Race 4: 6 Instant Attraction, 7 Gloria Mundi, 1 City Lights, 5 Quello Che

Race 5: 5 Fire Attack, 8 Musical Score, 9 Choisaanada, 7 Don't Cry For Me

Race 6: 8 Royal Mazarin, 2 To The Rescue, 3 Storm Ahead, 5 Nuclear Force

Race 7: 4 Callaburn, 2 Guy Alexander, 6 Flag Bearer, 7 Perini Palace

Race 8: 2 Bacchus, 8 Hammies Hero, 4 New Mexico, 7 Hat Trick Or Treat

BEST BET

Race 8 No 2 Bacchus

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 8 Royal Mazarin

BEST SWINGER

Race 5 5x8

BIPOT

R288

Leg 1: 6, 8, 10

Leg 2: 3, 5

Leg 3: 5, 7, 8

Leg 4: 6, 7

Leg 5: 5, 8

Leg 6: 2, 3, 5, 8

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 3, 5

Leg 2: 5, 7, 8

Leg 3: 6, 7

Leg 4: 5, 8

Leg 5: 2, 3, 8

Leg 6: 2, 4, 6

Leg 7: 2

PICK 6

R1875

Leg 1: 5, 7, 8, 9, 13

Leg 2: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8

Leg 3: 5, 8, 9

Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

Leg 5: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8

Leg 6: 2

JACKPOT 1

R375

Leg 1: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8

Leg 2: 5, 8, 9

Leg 3: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

Leg 4: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8

JACKPOT 2

R75

Leg 1: 5, 8, 9

Leg 2: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

Leg 3: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8

Leg 4: 2