There are plenty of opportunities for exotic bet punters come Saturday with the running of the Vodacom Durban July and 11 other races on the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Apart from the usual Place Accumulator (PA) and Pick 6 there are two Bi-Pots and two Jackpots.
The PA start as usual on race 3 through to 9. The Pick 6 races 4 to 9. The first Bi-Pot covers races 2 to 7 and the second, races 7 to 12. The first Jackpot covers races 5 to 8 and the second Jackpot races 9 to 12.
The Place Accumulator pool is expected to top R3 million, the Pick 6 pool 15 million and the quartet pool on the Vodacom Durban July a whopping R16 million.
Often the key to winning the Pick 6, where punters have to find the winner of the six designated races, 4 through to 9, is finding a ‘banker’. Not only does it cut down on spend but it also narrows the bet down to five legs or less if you fancy more bankers.
In Saturday’s opening leg, top weight Strathdon could get punters off on a winning note. Not only does he stay every metre of the 3000m race but his form has been consistent and he looks cherry-ripe. But races over a marathon trip often throw up surprise results so If Strathdon is not for you, Walter Smoothie, and the fillies Sunshine Silk, Dynasty’s Blossom and Flichity By Farr make most appeal.
The Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper looks a tricky affair. Miss Florida is unbeaten but there were a few hard-luck stories behind her in the Alan Robertson and it may pay to fill up this leg with the likes of Cavivar, Cockney Pride, Gabor, Mawsool, Royal Lily and Victoria Paige.
Tsogo Sun Medallion winner Eden Roc will be a popular choice in the Durban Golden Horseshoe and this leg could possibly be narrowed down to Eden Roc and the highly rated Invidia.
The Vodacom Durban July will be up to each person’s fancy but I fancy that the winner will come from one of the first seven in the betting.
The Engen Performance Stakes is a nightmare and it may pay to include as many as finances allow. Thanksgiving, Infamous Fox, Tristful and Crown Towers are at the top of my list.
In the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes, Oh Susanna will be at the top of many lists as their banker after her recent end-to-end victory. Under the condition of the race she is well weighted and has a plum draw. Stable companion Snow Dance, last year’s runner-up, has it all to do from14 draw while Front And Centre and Celtic Sea look pick of the younger brigade.
Remember that you can always take a percentage should your combinations exceed your budget.
To take a bet go to www.tabgold.co.za or www.trackandball.co.za
By Andrew Harrison
