At time of writing there was a difference of only two winners wins between Alyson Wright on 53, and Gareth van Zyl on 51, but the latter has a lead of R216, 250 when it comes to stake money, so we could be in for a humdinger as to who will be the KwaZulu-Natal Champion Trainer at the end of July.
Van Zyl is sending out some strong form choices at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday and it could pay to follow him this time.
Faizah rates the form choice in Race 4, a MR 82 Handicap over 1950m. While the daughter of Querari is taking a slight drop in class and jumps from gate No 1, the longer distance, at first glance, appears an issue. But it is interesting that despite failing twice over 1750m, last time out over the same course and distance she produced a fine turn of foot and cruised to victory.
A change of tactics did the trick, she wasn’t urged to race handily as has usually been the plan, but instead waited until the right moment and then unleashed a strong finish, and it could be more of the same for a repeat performance.
Tristan Godden rode her for the first time on that occasion and it comes as no surprise he has been retained for the ride this time.
Faizah has beaten Escapologist comfortably and on collateral form should then hold off stablemate Hot Strike who also quickened well to win at this venue recently.
Zinikele, like Faizah, is another useful four-year-old filly, and she lines up in Race 7, a MR 90 Handicap over 1500m. She has two more wins than the Faizah and is also better coming at them. With a record of five wins from 20 starts and it could be win No 6 on Sunday.
Earlier in her career the Gimmethegreenlight filly showed feisty pace but didn’t finish her races off and as a result has yet to win at Scottsville with its longer home straight. She has, however, matured and now settles in her races.
She has been catching the eye with powerful finishes of late and in her last start was unlucky not to tag Malcolm’s Dream as she had to switch at a crucial stage before flying at the line. Malcolm’s Dream had a trouble-free passage but looked to be running out of gas late and, arguably, the 1500m should suit Zinikele more than her.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 6 Lucrative, 15 Terminal Velocity, 13 Edge Of Tomorrow, 5 Sweet Dreamer
Race 2: 10 Dapper, 11 Burning Man, 5 Komandante, 3 Kinnikinnik
Race 3: 9 Facile, 1 Silver Jubilee, 7 Yellow Jacket, 6 Elusive Belle
Race 4: 1 Faizah, 2 Hot Strike, 7 Escapologist, 3 Escape Artist
Race 5: 4 The Real Prince, 8 Strathclyde, 2 Common Grounds, 3 Except Temptation
Race 6: 8 Gold Agent, 4 Northern Warrior, 3 Purple Powahouse, 6 Arverni Princess
Race 7: 7 Zinikele, 5 Malcolm's Dream, 9 Mascherina, 6 Imperious Destiny
Race 8: 3 El Dante, 14 Golden Peace, 4 Bugalugs, 5 Down By The River
BEST BET
Race 3: 9 Fa
VALUE BET
Race 6: 8 Gold Agent
BEST SWINGER
Race 2 10x11
BIPOT
R270
Leg 1: 5, 6, 9, 13, 15
Leg 2: 10, 11
Leg 3: 9
Leg 4: 1, 2, 7
Leg 5: 2, 4, 8
Leg 6: 3, 4, 8
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 10, 11
Leg 2: 9
Leg 3: 1, 2, 7
Leg 4: 2, 4, 8
Leg 5: 3, 4, 8
Leg 6: 5, 7
Leg 7: 3, 14
PICK 6
R1440
Leg 1: 9
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9
Leg 5: 5, 7, 9
Leg 6: 3, 4, 5, 14
JACKPOT 1
R360
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9
Leg 4: 5, 7, 9
JACKPOT 2
R288
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 8
Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9
Leg 3: 5, 7, 9
Leg 4: 3, 4, 5, 14