Jack Milner: Prince Of Fire is unbeaten in two starts and will be looking to extend that winning run when he lines up in Race 7 at Turffontein on Saturday, a MR 94 Handicap over 1200m on the Inside track.
This three-year-old son of Gimmethegreenlight clearly shows good work at home as he has received betting support in both his races and has won fairly comfortably each time. On this occasion, however, the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained gelding will be tested in two departments.
Firstly, he is taking a jump in class, and although he comes into this race carrying bottom weight of just 52kg, he is 1kg under sufferance based on merit ratings.
It is fair to assume that after only two winning runs, he could be a lot better than his rating of 89. The handicapper can only assess him against the quality of runners he has taken on but he has won both effortlessly so he should still have quite a bit more in the tank.
The other concern is that both his wins have been over 1000m, and it will be interesting to see whether he is as effective over an extra 200m. On breeding he should have no problems and the manner in which he has run on to win his two races backs up that position.
In his favour is that he has won at the course, which is useful to bettors as we know he can handle the turn.
Gavin Lerena rode Prince Of Fire to victory in both his starts but as he cannot make the weight, Chase Maujean has picked up the ride. They will jump from barrier No 1, always an advantage on the Inside track.
If there are any flaws in Prince Of Fire’s ability, Super Excited looks the runner most likely to benefit from them. Trained by Paul Matchett, this three-year-old Vercingetorix gelding has raced four times for two wins and two seconds. Both of his wins have been over 1200m, the last coming at this course.
The stable is in deadly form, as is jockey Muzi Yeni who will be riding Super Excited. He has been aboard for his last three starts, which incorporates the two victories. He comes in with a decent weight of 54kg and will jump from No 5 draw.
Grappler was a carded reserve runner for yesterday’s Greyville meeting but he did not get into the field and that should see him take his place in this line-up.
Sean Tarry’s charge has some very decent form and if the other two are found wanting, Grappler could be the one to take the honours.
Lyle Hewitson rode him in both of his wins and is scheduled to be aboard once again.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 1 Lion Of The Desert, 7 General Hancock, 4 Fort Snow, 5 Another Level
Race 2: 7 Verolina, 4 Juliet Tango, 2 Lydia’s Prosper,
Race 3: 3 Team Gold, 5 Ultra Quick, 4 Sheldon, 2 Purple Panther
Race 4: 2 Tanzanite Queen, 1 Freed From Desire, 7 Warship, 4 Milan’s Princess
Race 5: 5 Indlamu, 1 Dr Doolittle, 2 Green Haze, 9 Full Mast
Race 6: 7 Florida Keys, 1 City By The Sea, 6 Master Of Law, 3 Lets Talk
Race 7: 8 Prince Of Fire, 6 Super Excited, 4 Grappler, 5 Sea Virescent
Race 8: 2 Quantum King, 7 Successful Ruler, 1 Super Agra, 4 Eagle Strike
Race 9: 2 Dragon Queen, 4 Voltron, 6 Corvette Captain, 7 Tiki Taka
BEST BET
Race 2 No 7 Verolina
VALUE BET
Race 9 No 2 Dragon Queen
BEST SWINGER
Race 3 3×5
BIPOT
R108
Leg 1: 7
Leg 2: 3, 5
Leg 3: 1, 2, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 5
Leg 5: 1, 6, 7
Leg 6: 6, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R162
Leg 1: 3
Leg 2: 1, 2, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 5
Leg 4: 1, 6, 7
Leg 5: 6, 8
Leg 6: 2
Leg 7: 2, 4, 6
PICK 6
R1800
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
Leg 2: 1, 2, 5
Leg 3: 1, 3, 6, 7
Leg 4: 4, 6, 8
Leg 5: 2, 7
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
JACKPOT 1
R72
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5
Leg 2: 1, 3, 6, 7
Leg 3: 4, 6, 8
Leg 4: 2, 7
JACKPOT 2
R120
Leg 1: 1, 3, 6, 7
Leg 2: 4, 6, 8
Leg 3: 2, 7
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7