Top fillies to fight out Fairview thriller

Jack Milner

When one opened the card for Fairview Friday and saw the names Ekoria and Peach Daiquiri heading up Race 2, one immediately thought we’re set for a great two-horse duel.

Two talented three-year-old fillies fought a great battle last time with Ekoria unable to give 4.5kg and a beating to Peach Daiquiri who held on to win by a head.

But there is always some new details that will set the cat among the pigeons. In this case it is the surface and distance.

While both fillies have great form on turf up the straight, when they meet in the Fillies Guineas Plate on Friday it will be over 1400m and on the Polytrack.

On collateral form one has to be with Ekoria as Gavin Smith’s charge is 2.5kg better off this time. However, as this is the first time they both try this track and trip, it could all change. Ekoria has the marginally better draw at No 2 while Sharon Kotzen’s charge jumps from gate No 5.

But JP van der Merwe is aboard Ekoria this time and his only loss in four rides abord the Futura filly was in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship at Scottsville when running a 2.60-length fourth to Sweet Pepper.

On the other hand, Peach Daiquiri has only run twice for two wins and this Vercingetorix filly has loads of room for improvement. She also has a change of jockey as Luyolo Mxothwa is suspended for a few meetings and Raymond Danielson takes this ride.

On breeding, neither should be bothered by the additional distance but the surface is another question. However, both trainers will have worked their charges on the Polytrack and will know what to expect.

Holly’s View and Double Destiny look the dangers.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 7 Dreamt I Could Fly, 3 Seismic Event, 2 Greek Mafia, 1 Dog Detachment

Race 2: 1 Ekoria, 2 Peach Daiquiri, 4 Holly's View, 3 Double Destiny

Race 3: 3 Emily's Spirit, 4 Kind Of Blue, 7 Red Centre, 5 Makaha Beach

Race 4: 9 Siberian Fox, 2 Opening Ceremony, 6 Mr Bodacious, 1 Uncle George

Race 5: 10 Alado's Pride, 2 Jacob's Ladder, 4 Ideal Angel, 5 Ablueazure

Race 6: 10 Hey Siri, 7 Saint Anastasia, 3 River Cafe, 2 Wildest Dreams

Race 7: 2 All About Al, 1 Light That Loose, 4 Paris Rix, 3 Captain Morisco

Race 8: 4 Ledell's Echo, 3 My Ami Beach, 2 Notorix, 6 Roger The Dodger

BEST BET

Race 1 No 7 Dreamt I Could Fly

VALUE BET

Race 6 No 10 Hey Siri

BEST SWINGER

Race 1 3x7

BIPOT

R128

Leg 1: 7

Leg 2: 1, 2

Leg 3: 3

Leg 4: 1, 2, 6, 9

Leg 5: 2, 4, 5, 10

Leg 6: 2, 3, 7, 10

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R162

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 2, 6, 9

Leg 4: 2, 4, 10

Leg 5: 3, 7, 10

Leg 6: 2

Leg 7: 2, 3, 4

PICK 6

R1200

Leg 1: 3, 4, 5, 7

Leg 2: 1, 2, 6, 9

Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10

Leg 4: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10

Leg 5: 2

Leg 6: 2, 3, 4

JACKPOT 1

R200

Leg 2: 1, 2, 6, 9

Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10

Leg 4: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10

Leg 5: 1, 2

JACKPOT 2

R150

Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10

Leg 4: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10

Leg 5: 1, 2

Leg 6: 2, 3, 4