Mongqawa to lead the way at work riders’ meeting
Racing around the world depends on the quality of their world riders and on Thursday at the Vaal, they will have their chance to demonstrate the contribution they make to the quality of our racing.
The Work Riders’ Racedays are dedicated to the experienced stable staff who do the hard yards behind the scenes, giving them a deserved chance to showcase their riding ability while competing for recognition, prize money and, in some cases, launching future careers in the saddle. For bettors, however, they’re often among the most profitable fixtures on the calendar.
Current Champion Work Rider Phenisile Mongqawa can get bettors off to a great start when he rides Astrophile in Race 2 over 1000m. The Tony Peter-trained daughter of Heavenly Blue shaped like a winner in waiting when finishing an encouraging second on debut over this course and distance after attracting sustained market support, eventually jumping at 9-4 after opening at 15-2.
That effort suggests the market knew exactly what to expect, and she duly confirmed the confidence with a polished debut. Natural improvement should make her exceptionally difficult to oppose.
There is another compelling angle. Mongqawa’s association with the Peter stable has become one smart punters ignore at their peril. Their last 13 combinations have produced four winners and four placed runners – the kind of strike-rate that speaks of stable confidence rather than coincidence.
If Astrophile performs to expectation, she rates the standout banker on the programme.
Chamu Mabaya, meanwhile, continues to produce excellent returns whenever given competitive opportunities, operating at an impressive 22% winning strike rate. He looks capable of adding another success aboard Royale Jacket in Race 5 over 1500m.
The son of Ideal World was never able to land a blow over an inadequate 1160m last time, but that run is easily forgiven. His previous two attempts over 1500m both yielded placings, and the return to a more suitable trip should see a much sharper performance from the well-tried three-year-old.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 5 Caladrius, 1 Master’s Lady, 2 Elegant Edge, 8 Platinum Shay
Race 2: 9 Astrophile, 1 Echoes Of War, 3 Tiger’s Captain, 8 Time To Fire
Race 3: 1 Epidaurus, 2 Evening News, 3 Heroic Act, 6 Sutter’s Mill
Race 4: 1 Lolly Willowes, 2 Life And Letters, 3 Global Royalty, 4 Lazer Light
Race 5: 1 Royale Jacket, 10 Steel Pier, 8 Mega Awesome, 9 Silver Comet
Race 6: 2 Be All You Can Be, 1 Meghan’s Diamond, 3 Gimmesumluv, 5 Winika
Race 7: 6 A Roman Twist, 5 Glastonbury Fire, 3 Wish You Were Here, 1 Beach Walker
BEST BET
Race 2: 9 Astrophile
VALUE BET
Race 7: 6 A Roman Twist
BEST SWINGER
Race 7 5×6
BIPOT
R108
Leg 1: 1, 2, 5
Leg 2: 9
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3
Leg 4: 1, 2
Leg 5: 1, 8, 10
Leg 6: 1, 2
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R32
Leg 1: 1, 5
Leg 2: 9
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 1
Leg 5: 1, 10
Leg 6: 1, 2
Leg 7: 5, 6
PICK 6
R600
Leg 1: 9
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 1, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3
Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 6
JACKPOT 1
R150
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Leg 2: 1, 2
Leg 3: 1, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 4: 1, 2, 3
JACKPOT 2
R120
Leg 1: 1, 2
Leg 2: 1, 7, 8, 9, 10
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3
Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6