While they both require a magic 6 numbers, the projected R20 million Pick 6 at today’s Turffontein meeting presents far better odds than trying to win this evening’s Lotto, with class and quality horseflesh offering the prospects of a decent dividend.
Can we banker Mount Pleasant and Summer Pudding in the middle two legs?
Mount Pleasant is unbeaten in three starts and stands out as the banker of the day when he jumps from pole position in the World Sports Betting Gr2 Dingaans at 15h00.
Mount Pleasant – a future top miler says De Kock (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Unlike in Summer Pudding’s case, where we can start doubting her draw, the presence of males and conceding kilo’s to opponents, Mount Pleasant is clearly head and shoulders above his class and was ultra-impressive when winning his last start in the Joburg Spring Challenge.
A good draw and a step up to the mile adds to his prospects and a rare compliment for the handicappers after he was given a 127 following his Spring Challenge victory, by trainer Mike de Kock, says a lot:
“Mount Pleasant is a genuine weight for age horse, he’ll be running in the classics and the WFA events and will probably be a top miler. He is not a handicapper,” said the multiple champion.
A daughter of Silvano and the reigning SA Horse Of The Year, Summer Pudding has done everything asked of her, winning eight out of eight races.
Summer Pudding wins that sensational Hollywoodbets Greyville Gr1 (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Jack Milner suggests that she will face her toughest challenge when she lines up for this R1-million Grade 1 race over 2000m at Turffontein.
If you had to weigh up her prospects, on the debit side will be that she jumps from No 18 draw, takes on the colts for the first time, has to give weight to 17 of the 20 runners and has only had one comeback run.
On the credit side is that she comes from an in-form stable, will be ridden by the current champion jockey and has matured as she has got older. However, and most relevantly, she has the one thing that swings the pendulum firmly in her favour – pure class!
Trainer Paul Peter exudes positivity. “I was very happy with her comeback run. I just wanted a comfortable run from her. She was close to her peak and that run, and few runs on the track, brought her on. I’m glad she didn’t get bumped around.”
Kennedy could not contain his excitement after that race, claiming she showed none of her previous quirks. There were no flat spots, she was happy to sit up with the pace and she did not wait for company when she hit the front.
“She’s showing that in her work,” added Peter. “She’s running away from horses. I feel she is just maturing now. She has really blossomed nicely.”
The.R20 million Pick 6 starts at 13h50
