Expert - Jack Milner

Veteran journalist Jack Milner has been involved in horseracing since 1972. From then on he followed the sport closely so in 2006 when he was offered the position with Phumelela Gaming & Leisure as Managing Editor of their Publishing Department, he jumped at the chance. He is also instrumental in sending tips and previews to international customers who subscribe to South African racing. Milner is known to be an astute studier of form who reads a race very well. He is one of the leading tipsters in the country where he has a big following. He has attended international events such as the English Derby and Oaks, Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup.

Turffontein Racecourse – Track Analysis (SA Derby Day):

Both courses used for racing at Turffontein Racecourse are turf tracks. The standside track is an oval track of 2700m. The track rises 12m from the 1600m to the 800m marks, making it the most testing circuit in South Africa. Races up to 1160m are run up the straight and all longer distance are raced clockwise around the turn with an 800m run-in.

In races up the straight generally higher numbered draws on the outside of the course are an advantage. Low number draws give horses an edge over 1400m, which starts close to the turn, and is a slight advantage over 1600m, where there is around 250m before the horses hit the bend.

There are four G1 races from the SA Derby Day will be simulcast to Hong Kong this year, including the 1600m Empress Club Stakes, 1000m Computaform Sprint, 2450m SA Derby and the 2000m World Pool Premier's Champions Challenge.

Muzi Yeni, one of the leading jockeys in South Africa, has an excellent record at Turffontein has shared his thought about the track.

In races over 1000m if there is a small field the draw is not really an issue because they tend to move the starting stalls to the centre of the course. However, in bigger fields the outside draws are quite an advantage.

For the race over 1600m while lower number draws are an advantage, horses can win from anywhere if there is a fair pace. Because of the 800m home straight, you do have a chance from a bad draw because horses can come from behind.

In races over 2000m at Turffontein, there is a long back straight and that gives you plenty of time to get yourself a good position.     

Despite races over 2450m starting on a bend, Yeni says it is one of the easiest distances to get a good position. “If you have a bit of gate speed, the draw is not an issue. Stayers are not usually the fastest jumpers so if you can get a flyer out the gate it will help the horse to get a position. Once the race moves into the back straight it eases up a bit so if you didn’t get out well, you might find yourself too far back early in the race.

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