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In-Running Picks - Southern Africa Tour

Tipster: Jumbo

Odds: In-Running

 
 
South African Open
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Thomas Aiken Top-10 3 points 11-8 (Stan James)

Often tough at the start of a season and after a break and whilst Charl Schwartzel is clearly the one to beat at halfway, the rest of the leaderboard don't scream 'winner' and the expectation is that the classier home players will work their way through the field when it counts.

Hennie Otto was definitely on the radar as , like so many, he is best from off the pace, and with recent winner Brandon Grace just six off the lead the home team have a very strong hand. The main issue with Grace is that appalling tee-green stat thus far this week and with GIR a clear vital stat in previous years, he may well find the lack of accuracy costing him dear.

I'm ignoring much of the contenders at this stage as they are generally weak in a finish so looked straight at Mr Accuracy himself, home player Thomas Aiken. A multiple contender when in his native land, he produced consistent top finishes at this time last year, topped off with a victory and looks ready to peak very shortly. As far as this week is concerned he was at first of small interest for the outright market but he often flatters and he makes far more appeal at the inflated price for a top10. His constant GIR will find him going past less experienced players and with the possibility that the current favourite will walk away with this, take the safe way to profit. Aiken is 20-1 for the outright and I can make him no better than Evens to be on the front page - 11-8 is too big.