Clive Robinson
In the absence of leading Western Cape rider Richard Fourie, the eight-race card on Tuesday 2 August ought to be dominated by jockey Aldo Domeyer.
The Kenilworth meeting, which will be the first in the region of the new 2022/23 season, will also be missing Keagan de Melo, but that should not deter bettors who will do well to follow Domeyer and make the most of his many good his rides.
Fourie piloted Futura colt Future Swing to a fast-finishing third on debut from a wide draw at Durbanville. Justin Snaith’s charge would have come since and should open his account in Race 1 over 1200m with Domeyer now in the irons. He looks a stand-out bet.
For Swinger and Exacta purposes, include Brett Crawford’s runner Bardolino under Louis Mxothwa.
Snaith’s decision to fit Speed Machine with blinkers in his last start proved a masterstroke, as he skated clear at the finish to win a 1400m Hybrid Stakes by more than six lengths with Domeyer not needing to move a muscle aboard the son of Legislate.
Unsurprisingly, both the headgear and Domeyer are retained in Race 5 when Speed Machine reappears in a similar contest over 1600m.
Speed Machine has yet to race beyond 1400m but, given the degree of improvement he made in the blinkers and the manner of that impressive last-start success, he can be confidently backed to follow up and provide Domeyer and Snaith with a jockey-trainer double.
Another last-start winner from that yard to follow is highly rated Pacific Green, who has got her career back on track since returning from a rest. She scored on debut then fluffed her lines next time out which prompted connections to allow her time off to grow and strengthen.
That decision has, seemingly, paid off. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight made a pleasing comeback when fourth in open company over 1100m before bouncing back to winning ways over 1000m last time out.
She returns to the course and distance of that success in Race 8 and it should pay to follow her progress on her three-year-old bow.
Gimme’s Lassie (Race 2) is another of Domeyer’s rides with strong winning credentials and should deliver the goods for her supporters.
