Ultra Quick has been ultra-consistent and looks one of the better bets on Saturday’s Turffontein card where they race on the Inside track.
This Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained gelding loves this course and in four starts so far has a tally of two wins, a close-up second and a third place.
He returns to contest a Middle Stakes over 1200m and although not the best weighted runner based on merit ratings, he is going to take some stopping.
Four of his five starts have been over 1200m so the distance is ideal. He also looks the most promising runner in this line-up and could still be substantially better than his merit rating of 96.
Most importantly, he is well drawn at No 4 which is often crucial over this course and distance as the race starts on the turn.
Raymond Danielson has picked up the majority of stable rides on the day and he gets aboard Ultra Quick for the first time.
Once you look past him the race looks quite open. However, Gavin Lerena, who has ridden Ultra Quick in most of his starts, will be on Roy Magner-trained Barnie’s Pride.
This son of Grey’s Inn had some decent runs as a juvenile and then made a promising three-year-old debut when a 1.50-length second behind Shield Of Roses over 1200mon the Vaal Classic track.
He will receive 2kg from Ultra Quick and this race will give bettors a good guide as to his ability.
Winners continue to flow from the Mike de Kock yard and he looks the trainer to follow once again at Turffontein.
With the withdrawal of Clafoutis, best of his runners could be Mike’s Chick in Race 4, and Wisteria Avenue in Race 5, but there could be many more winners flowing from that stable.
Wisteria Avenue scored a facile victory in a Maiden Plate last time and with the stable in unstoppable form, she should be able to hold out all the colts who take her on.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 1 Wildeye, 4 Gimme A Dream, 3 Charge Down, 5 Eagle River
Race 2: 1 Leopold, 3 Silver Tycoon, 4 My Master, 2 Western Fort