From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Racing biggest day’s present exciting betting opportunities. Be it fixed odds plunges, taking huge odds multiples, trying to bring down a massive P6 pool or scheming out smart exotic combinations, there is always loads of potential.

Let’s scan the card and attempt to unearth some profitable bets:

CLAIR DE LUNE could be the answer in Race 1. Juveniles are tricky to assess but she appears to have the most plausible credentials. If the short price does not appeal, then maybe singling her in the opening Jackpot could be the answer.

DOUBLE GRAND SLAM will also go off favoured in the following Race, the G1 Majorca Stake. She will have to run down RASCOVA and FATAL FLAW but has the acceleration to do just that.

ROCCAPINA (s/s 103) is the unknown stretching out over a mile after a smart sprint behind Asiye Phambili but DOUBLE GRAND SLAM has proven herself repeatedly at this elevated class level and holds the top speed figure of 107.

Ultra-reliable, RAINBOW LORIKEET is having a most productive Summer and she again duels with familiar challenger, SAARTJIE, this time in the Summer Fling Stakes. They have the best figures (s/s’s of 104) - only INDIAN OCEAN (s/s 100) can trouble them in the G3 over 2000m which opens the PA.

The Western Cape Stayers could also resolve itself into a match – POETS WARRIOR (s/s 106) vs TRIPLE TIME (s/s 104). The former will race upfront and could be hard to reel in on the best of his Highveld staying form, whilst Justin Snaith’s primed grey will launch a closing bid. Race 4 is the first leg of the P6 – players wanting wider cover can add MUCHO DINERO, KING PELLES and HOLDING THUMBS.

Race 5 is one of the most difficult on the card. Cases can be made for practically all the entrants. A wide spread seems prudent in all the Picks. If forced to compile a short list, CAPTAIN WEST, SONG TO THE MOON, FIBONNACI and LET IT BE SAID would qualify.

Race 6 is the Olympic Duel Stakes over 1200m. NORDIC QUEST should give punters a good each way run for their money at around 7/1 given her quality speed figures (s/s 104) and likely stalking trip down the inner. Deep-closer, SUMMER LILY, SYMPHONY IN WHITE and likely pace-setter CANDY TOWN (s/s 101) are also liable to be in the fray. MAI SENSATION is not impossible, either.

QUESTIONING (s/s 108) might be the most dependable choice in the G1 Cape Flying Champs even if defending champ, DYCE (s/s 109) and spectacular talents GIMME A PRINCE (s/s 115) have higher speed scores. The latter two are not the soundest characters with Gimme a Prince perhaps better over slightly further. KING OF THE GAULS (s/s 110) and CRUISE CONTROL (s/s 108) are confirmed speedballs who are worth keeping onside at bigger odds.

What to make of the Met? Despite some queries about the trip, 3YO, EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN is the most likely winner on pure handicapping if he is indeed nearly as good as One Stripe, though the old, high- class version of SEE IT AGAIN would be dangerous on the best of his back form.

FUTURE SWING, RASCALLION, MONTIEN & MAGIC VERSE are all at double digit odds with solid claims. They can be used in exotic combos.

The Politician Stakes tests 3YO’s stretching out over 1800m and is a build up for prospective Cape Derby entries. Bass Racing hold a high regard of MAJOR MASTER (s/s 97 +) who gets some weight from SAIL THE SEAS (s/s 100) and GARRIX (s/s 96 +) which may just swing it. He appeals as an each way play. WILD INTENT, DAWN TILL DUSK and REGULATION (s/s 95) are others in with a shake.

ICONIC DESTINATION (s/s 94) is on the comeback trail after a breathing op. If he is more comfortable now, which may be the case after a much better last start, then he could surprise in an open Class 4 – Race 10. But he is not one to bet the ranch on given his medical history.

PLEASE BE TRUE (s/s 91 ++), GREEN GARNET (s/s 92), KING’S QUEST and UNICORN ALERT (s/s 94) are alternatives for those who don’t want to speculate wildly on ICONIC DESTINATION.

SNOW PILOT (s/s 108) is one of the day’s shortest priced favourites. His demolition job at his penultimate start over the course and distance and the official rating he runs off are reason behind market and Snaith Racing stable confidence.

He does have classy and progressive Dean Kannemeyer trained THE REAL PRINCE (s/s 106 +) to fear, however. He is getting strong figures and still has considerable upside. MEU CAPITANO (s/s 105) is a possibility going seven panels if he can reproduce his best sprint form; SUGAR MOUNTAIN (s/s 105) will get the run of the race and is a price horse to use in exotic combos. Classy pace-pressing, 3YO ALL OUT FOR SIX is respected.

THE US OF A is the market mover in Race 12. That makes sense as he caught the eye at his most recent start with a fig of 91 +. However, he faces many live threats, including CARRIACOU (s/s 94), UN BEL DI (s/s 91 +) and WAR CHARIOT (s/s 96), TOUGH TERRAIN (s/s 92) and CORK BAY (s/s 92).

Cracking an exotic score in this 15- runners, Class 4 field will help erase many previous errors. That’s the beauty of single race exotic bets with the potential to pay big dividends, such as the popular, Quartet. The Interbet Tote platform covers the full menu of SAFTote wagers.

You can also log onto the Interbet exchange for the best, fixed odds prices. And there is a user-friendly facility for taking Multiple bets, too.

Mark van Deventer, long time analyst on the Interbet site, provides his regular Cape podcast with further insights. That will be flighted on Saturday morning.

Enjoy the races