Jack Milner
Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles two runners in Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday and they could fight out the finish.
Sheldon and Wind Water are the pair in question and they will line up in a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m on the Classic track.
Sheldon is in top form currently and in his last four runs has a tally of two wins and two places. While he did not win his last two races, they were against some top-flight opposition.
Two runs back he was caught late by Flowerbomb to whom he was conceding 5.5kg and last time he went down to talented three-year-old Anfields Rocket.
He was not beaten far in either event and once again will have Gavin Lerena in the irons.
On this occasion his main threat is likely to come from stablemate Wind Water. This three-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding will be aiming to complete a hat-trick.
Rated 74 after three runs, in which he did not finish outside the top three, Wind Water then stormed to his maiden victory, demolishing the field to score by 4.25-lengths. That victory saw him penalised 11 points by the handicapper.
He followed up with another victory in a Class C Novice Handicap and although just winning by 0.50 length, he was penalised a further four points (2kg)
Moving up to Class B now, Janse van Vuuren has opted to fit his charge with blinkers for the first time. The fitting of this headgear suggests the trainer expects his charge will have much more to offer with an increased focus.
He will carry just 53.5kg which sees him get 6kg from his stable companion. He also has a change of jockey as S’manga Khumalo will take the ride for the first time.
Completing the Trifecta could be Clinton Binda’s Umthombo Wolwazi. Also a three-time winner, but from only 10 attempts, he is in hot form, as attested by the fact his rating has increased by 21 points in his last three outings.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 2 Circle Of Grace, 6 Heirloom, 5 Courageous, 8 Troppo Veloce
Race 2: 7 Move On Over, 1 Callmewhenuneedme, 5 Leaving Las Vegas, 9 Stormy Choice
Race 3: 1 Slinky Mapimpi, 9 Count Your Chances, 2 Fast Duty, 10 Efficient Trader
Race 4: 1 Marigold Hotel, 2 Hollywoodbound, 7 Queen Of Shadows, 4 Gilded Butterfly
Race 5: 10 Big City Girl, 3 Oyster King, 2 Wondering Star, 4 What Say You
Race 6: 6 Celestial City, 1 Total Protection, 7 Future Pearl, 8 Top Sail
Race 7: 2 Sheldon, 8 Wind Water, 9 Umthombo Wolwazi, 7 Set To Go
Race 8: 1 Cold Fact, 4 Golden Aspen, 5 Silver Winter, 6 Aga Heat
Race 9: 1 Lil Miss Moneybags, 5 Defender Of Rights, 4 Princess Ilaria, 2 Second Breath
BEST BET
Race 3 No 1 Slinky Mapimpi
VALUE BET
Race 5 No 10 Big City Girl
BEST SWINGER
Race 6 1x6
BIPOT
R216
Leg 1: 1, 5, 7, 9
Leg 2: 1
Leg 3: 1, 2, 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 10
Leg 5: 1, 6
Leg 6: 2, 8, 9
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R144
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 1, 2, 7
Leg 3: 2, 3, 10
Leg 4: 1, 6
Leg 5: 2, 8
Leg 6: 1
Leg 7: 1, 2, 4, 5
PICK 6
R1500
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10
Leg 3: 1, 6, 7
Leg 4: 2, 7, 8, 9
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
JACKPOT 1
R60
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10
Leg 2: 1, 6, 7
Leg 3: 2, 7, 8, 9
Leg 4: 1
JACKPOT 2
R60
Leg 1: 1, 6, 7
Leg 2: 2, 7, 8, 9
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6