Jack Milner (4Racing)
There are some people who consider the number three to be lucky. That could well be the case at Monday’s racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville where they race on the Polytrack.
In fact, it could be worthwhile to follow horses carded No 3 in the first three races on the card.
In Race 1, a Maiden Handicap over 1400m, Firu Star looks a runner who could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Trainer Garth Puller is a very patient man with his horses and he generally gets them to improve when finding out what best suits the horse.
Firu Star showed promise on the Polytrack in his first two starts and was not disgraced when fourth in his third start.
Those runs were all at a higher level than his next two starts and were above his current handicap mark.
A wide draw saw disappointment in start No 4 but he put that run behind him when narrowly beaten last time out. Fitter now, he should go lose to winning.
Declare War in Race 2, a Maiden Handicap over 1400m for fillies and mares, has been unreliable to date but is another who has run above her current merit rating. She also clearly needed her last run, her first following a five-month break.
Vast improvement is likely, and she can contest the finish.
Generally, it is not a good idea to be with a horse carrying a huge penalty for their latest run, particularly in a handicap, but Venturous in Race 3 could be an exception.
She won full of running last time out and clearly loves this course and distance.
From a good draw she may well follow up in this MR 65 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 3 Firu Star, 5 Allaroundtheworld, 10 Global Outlook, 2 Colour Of Money
Race 2: 3 Declare War, 4 Meredith Grey, 1 Aspoestertjie, 7 Musharayha
Race 3: 3 Venturous, 2 Special Charm, 1 Bell Starbuster, 7 Capriccio
Race 4: 2 Winter Journey, 3 Royal Kitty, 4 Alto Alex, 6 Birdwatcher
Race 5: 1 Who’s That Star, 5 Edward Longshanks, 3 Bristolbeaufighter, 7 Esquevelle
Race 6: 4 Master Keeku, 3 Life Goes On, 7 Umthombo Wolwazi, 6 We All Chomies
Race 7: 1 Eventidor, 7 Exceeder, 3 Coromandel, 6 Sonjador
Race 8: 8 Maria Corolina, 5 Trump My Queen, 6 Devils And Dust, 1 Bell Jar
BEST BET
Race 7 No 1 Eventidor
VALUE BET
Race 2 No 3 Declare War
BEST SWINGER
Race 8 5×8
BIPOT
R288
Leg 1: 3, 5
Leg 2: 1, 3, 4
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3
Leg 4: 2, 3
Leg 5: 1, 5
Leg 6: 3, 4, 6, 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R216
Leg 1: 1, 3, 4
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3
Leg 3: 2, 3
Leg 4: 1, 5
Leg 5: 3, 4, 7
Leg 6: 1
Leg 7: 5, 8
PICK 6
R1890
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1, 3, 5
Leg 4: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 5: 1
Leg 6: 5, 6, 8
JACKPOT 1
R90
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Leg 2: 1, 3, 5
Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 4: 1
JACKPOT 2
R54
Leg 1: 1, 3, 5
Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leg 3: 1
Leg 4: 5, 6, 8
Picture credit: Risingsunchatsworth.co.za
