The Gr3 Magnolia Handicap is a minefield opener to Saturday’s projected R15 million Summer Cup day Pick 6 at Turffontein. It really doesn’t look like a race to go short in!
While going out in the last leg of the Pick 6 is about much fun as going on a Black Friday shopping spree with the mother-in-law, no self respecting exotic bet player ever risks a first leg left-hook. So take insurance and load up.
Via Seattle – back at the scene of her biggest wwin (Pic – JC Photos)
The SP top-rated PE raider Via Seattle has proven her ability to travel. She captured the 2017 Gr3 Starling Stakes at Turffontein and, now a 5yo mare, she arrives in fine form and fresh off an impressive Fairview victory.
Her stablemate Mary O’Reilly has travelled with less success but is a smart speedster capable of upsetting here and also won her last start.
Dancing Queen needs to improve and find the form that saw her win two on the trot at the Vaal last term.
Superfast Singforafa – could escape and hang on (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The super-quick Strelitzia Stakes winner Singforafa was demoted when clearly hampering runner-up Nicky Noo last time in the Gardenia Stakes. Craig Zackey will be keen to set the record straight.
A winner of 3 of her 6 starts, True To Life was said to be needing more ground but has shown her best form down the straight. She found her best form to beat Ikigai last time.
Dalai’s Promise – waiting for a jockey after Muzi Yeni’s indisposition – has lost her better 3yo form and will need to improve on her last two starts.
Value bet Green Plains – seen winning the 2017 Pretty Polly Stakes (Pic – JC Photos)
A Gr1 runner-up at two and a smart course and distance winner, the topweighted Green Plains returned from a five month break last time and made steady headway before tiring to run two lengths off Nicky Noo in the Gardenia Stakes. She could be the value and trainer Sean Tarry confirmed that she is in good order, and will be competitive. He suggested punters don’t discount stablemate Desert Rhythm either.
Sarah is South Africa’s highest rated 3yo and is a very decent speedster who looks capable of winning here. She has won 3 of her last 4 starts.
There are many others with chances – go with the budget and load up in the Pick 6.
