Moana returns to action at TAB Vaal

Moana will be making her seasonal return in Race 7, a MR 90 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m on the TAB Vaal Classic track on Wednesday.

The talented daughter of New Predator is trained by Robyn Klaasen and will be ridden by Calvin Habib.

The now three-year-old showed considerable promise at two, finishing a close-up second on debut before rattling off three successive victories, one over 1400m and two over 1600m. She subsequently tackled male opposition at Grade 1 level and was far from disgraced, finishing less than five lengths behind the winner.

With further improvement likely as she matures, Moana looks a filly worth following this season. The booking of regular rider Habib adds confidence to her prospects of making a winning comeback.

One of the strongest betting proposition could be reserved for the finale, where Sean Tarry and jockey Craig Zackey combine with exciting three-year-old Gimme Sunshine in Race 8.

The well-bred Gimmethegreenlight filly caught the eye in two KwaZulu-Natal appearances, finishing third on debut over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville before producing a remarkable winning performance over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Having appeared hopelessly positioned, she made up almost 10 lengths in the final 400m, quickening in the manner of a filly with considerable ability. That explosive finishing burst suggests the longer run-in of the Vaal Classic track will play to her strengths.

Ideally drawn in gate No 2 with just 56.5kg, Gimme Sunshine looks well placed to make a winning Highveld debut before progressing to bigger and better things.

 

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 9 Autograph, 4 Platinum Shay, 8 Nicci Beach, 2 Mfulathela

Race 2: 8 Tu Giusto, 4 Pandora Fort, 6 Giddy Up Grace, 7 Polly Plummer

Race 3: 6 Secret Getaway, 5 Great Rift Valley, 8 Clairwood Breeze, 13 Uncle Bob

Race 4: 1 Top Floor, 11 Itsnowornever, 4 Redlightgreenlight, 5 Orange County

Race 5: 4 Sosoru, 2 Max The Magician, 8 The Bronx Bull, 1 Vibe SA

Race 6: 7 Xtatic, 1 Late Bloomer, 2 Sail The Sky, 11 Commander Of All

Race 7: 5 Moana, 7 Jack’s Legacy, 1 Elisa Mbali, 9 Winds Of Grace

Race 8: 2 Gimme Sunshine, 4 Celtic Manor, 12 Eight Hats, 8 Oh La Amour

 

BEST BET

Race 2: 8 Tu Giusto

VALUE BET

Race 4: 1 Top Floor

BEST SWINGER

Race 3: 5×6

 

BIPOT

R72

Leg 1: 4, 8, 9

Leg 2: 8

Leg 3: 5, 6

Leg 4: 1, 4, 11

Leg 5: 2, 4

Leg 6: 1, 7

 

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R48

Leg 1: 8

Leg 2: 5, 6

Leg 3: 1, 4, 11

Leg 4: 2, 4

Leg 5: 1, 7

Leg 6: 5, 7

Leg 7: 2

 

PICK 6

R900

Leg 1: 5, 6

Leg 2: 1, 4, 5, 6, 11

Leg 3: 2, 4, 8

Leg 4: 1, 2, 7, 8, 11

Leg 5: 1, 5, 7

Leg 6: 2, 14

 

JACKPOT 1

R225

Leg 1: 1, 4, 5, 6, 11

Leg 2: 2, 4, 8

Leg 3: 1, 2, 7, 8, 11

Leg 4: 1, 5, 7

 

JACKPOT 2

R90

Leg 1: 2, 4, 8

Leg 2: 1, 2, 7, 8, 11

Leg 3: 1, 5, 7

Leg 4: 2, 4