Jack Milner
When it comes to talking about an honest horse, in recent months very few runners can claim the consistency of To The Rescue.
The Sean Tarry-trained runner is one of those performers who gives of his best every time he comes to the racecourse and since elevated to race over 2400m and upwards he has not finished out of the money. In his last seven runs he has notched up two wins, a second, two third and two fourth places and always gives his supporters a run for their money.
The four-year-old son of Gimmethegreenlight can be counted on to give his supporters another honest run when he lines up in Race 4 at Turffontein on Saturday, a MR 80 Handicap over 2850m on the Standside track.
While he has not raced over this exact course and distance, he did perform well when trying 3000m on the Inside track in February and almost led from start to finish before being run out of it late by Damova and Afraad.
He teams up again with jockey Kabelo Matsunyane and hopefully he can add another victory to his résumé.
He does carry top weight and has to give 1.5kg to Romeo’s Magic who beat him last time. However, Brett Warren’s charge will now be 2.5kg worse off for a 2.40-length beating and over this sort of distance it should be more than enough to reverse the earlier result.
This seven-year-old Elusive Fort gelding has also found a new lease on life since racing over longer distances, but he has yet to go further than 2400m.
It is, therefore, uncertain whether the additional 450m this time will be to his benefit or detriment.
Diego de Gouveia takes the ride this time, but he has ridden the gelding so will know what to expect.
Trainer Brett Webber sends out Mo Ment who must have some sort of chance in this line-up.
The four-year-old Royal Mo gelding ran out an impressive winner over 2600m on the Inside track last month when coming in for betting support and getting a peach of a ride. Jockey Jeffery Syster admitted to getting the timing wrong in the penultimate start, but he now knows the gelding well.
Mo Ment has won over 2400m and as he seemed to be getting stronger at the end of his last win over 2600m, there is every chance he will enjoy the extra.
He carries just 54.5kg and that obviously adds to his chances as he will be receiving 5.5kg and 4kg respectively from To The Rescue and Romeo’s Magic.
Corne Spies will be expecting a big run from two-year-old Scorpio in Race 2, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, where he will face a number of well-bred newcomers.
The handsome grey was green and inexperienced when nevertheless showing some potential on debut. He has now been gelded and could realise what is expected of him. He is a half-brother to Mount Pinatubo, a highly rated colt from Johan Janse van Vuuren’s yard.
Tarry could also pick up Race 8 where he sends out Bourbon Reserve, a beautifully bred son of What A Winter. He has had his issues but retains ability and appeals as a well-weighted value proposition in this MR 94 Handicap over 1000m.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 2 Far Beyond, 7 Mystical Miss, 11 Versace Onthetrack, 6 Jazz Pianist
Race 2: 3 Scorpio, 7 Opera Fan, 2 One Tiger, 9 Spiritrix
Race 3: 1 Read All About It, 5 Sister Golden Hair, 2 Crystal Grove, 4 Red Penny
Race 4: 1 To The Rescue, 2 Romeo's Magic, 8 Mo Ment, 9 Nuclear Force
Race 5: 6 Arlington Action, 2 DJ Junior, 5 Hearts On Fire, 4 Dark Silver
Race 6: 2 Paul Revere, 3 Great Notion, 4 King Of Numbers, 1 Shinto Shrine
Race 7: 4 Night Bomber, 1 Choisaanada, 8 Pressonregardless, 10 Orange County
Race 8: 9 Bourbon Reserve, 8 Warm Winter Nite, 2 Dontshootthebarman, 1 Master Casper
BEST BET
Race 3: 1 Read All About It
VALUE BET
Race 5: 6 Arlington Action
BEST SWINGER
Race 8 8x9
BIPOT
R216
Leg 1: 2, 7, 11
Leg 2: 2, 3, 7
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 1, 2
Leg 5: 2, 4, 5, 6
Leg 6: 2, 3, 4
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 2, 3, 7
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 2, 5, 6
Leg 5: 2, 3
Leg 6: 1, 4, 8
Leg 7: 8, 9
PICK 6
R720
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 2, 8, 9
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 5: 1, 4, 8
Leg 6: 2, 8, 9
JACKPOT 1
R240
Leg 1: 1, 2, 8, 9
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 4: 1, 4, 8
JACKPOT 2
R180
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 3: 1, 4, 8
Leg 4: 2, 8, 9