Three-year-olds take centre stage at Turffontein

Jack Milner

A number of talented three-year-olds will be on action at Turffontein on Sunday and that could give some indication of good things to come during the summer.

One runner who particularly caught the eye was Stuart Pettigrew-trained Knight Heist who lines up in Race 7, a MR 74 Handicap over 1800m on the Inside track. It is a race for apprentice riders and champion apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson has picked up the ride on this talented son of Hawwaam.

Knight Heist has run twice, the first coming over 1160m on the Standside track. However, that was far too short and he did well to finish third, although beaten 8.45 lengths.

Nevertheless, the real Knight Heist bared his claws in his second start, when he was extended to 1600m on the inside, scoring a decisive 2.10-length victory over Expert Witness.

We know he likes the trick and the additional 200m this time can only work in his favour.

His main danger is likely to come from another three-year-old in Spirit Of Gabz, trained by Corne and Xander Spies. The three-year-old Chimichuri Run gelding beat a good sort in Rising Eagle last week but that was over 1400m and he could battle over the longer trip.

Paul Matchett could have the best bet on the card when he saddles Mocha Magic in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1200m.

The Rafeef colt showed considerable promise when finishing third on debut despite an alarming market drift, and the booking of Craig Zackey is particularly noteworthy. The reigning champion jockey retains the ride, a strong indication that Mocha Magic has continued to please the Matchett stable since his introduction.

He should be sharper for that initial experience and, with natural improvement anticipated, looks capable of making a winning return.

Kabelo Matsunyane and Tony Peter have developed into a potent partnership in recent weeks, and Star Magnolia could provide the combination with another winner in Race 8 over 1200m.

The Danon Platina filly has taken significant strides since equipment changes were introduced. She improved with earmuffs when runner-up two starts ago before going one better with pacifiers added, opening her account in a Work Riders’ maiden last time.

Her handicap debut is a considerably tougher proposition, particularly against male opposition, but she remains lightly raced and has plenty of scope for further improvement. The rise in class is a concern, but so too is underestimating a filly who appears to be getting better with every start.

 

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 5 Reece’s Wish, 1 Calla Lagoon, 4 Winding Power, 2 Diogenes

Race 2: 6 One Eye On Dubai, 5 Camillo Cavour, 1 Forever Canford, 7 Mary’s Captain

Race 3: 5 Mocha Magic, 7 Reckless Abandon, 4 Kwaito, 2 Two Tigers

Race 4: 6 Go For Broke, 3 Pista Resistance, 1 Elusive Dragon, 2 Northern European

Race 5: 1 Nightshine, 4 Set To Music, 2 Hemisphere, 5 Dads Dream

Race 6: 1 A Bit Of Class, 3 Malshana Mou, 5 Zip Code, 2 Millennium Warrior

Race 7: 5 Knight Heist, 3 Spirit Of Gabz, 2 Play With Fire, 1 American Rebel

Race 8: 3 Star Magnolia, 7 Irish Wilma, 10 Kotinos, 2 Iconic Winter

 

BEST BET

Race 3: 5 Mocha Magic

VALUE BET

Race 6: 1 A Bit Of Class

BEST SWINGER

Race 8×7

 

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 1, 4, 5

Leg 2: 5, 6

Leg 3: 5

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 6

Leg 5: 1, 2, 4

Leg 6: 1, 3, 5

 

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R72

Leg 1: 5, 6

Leg 2: 5

Leg 3: 1, 3, 6

Leg 4: 1, 4

Leg 5: 1, 3, 5

Leg 6: 5

Leg 7: 3, 7

 

PICK 6

R320

Leg 1: 5

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 5

Leg 5: 3, 5

Leg 6: 3, 7

 

JACKPOT 1

R160

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 5

Leg 4: 3, 5

 

JACKPOT 2

R64

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 5

Leg 3: 3, 5

Leg 4: 3, 7