The Off To Stud Stakes (Listed) may be the headline feature at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday but a few will likely be staying on for another season.
However, recently turned six-year-old Mount Laurel is nearing the end of her racing career but caught the eye when running on well from a tough draw in the Tibouchina Stakes over the Hollywoodbets Greyville 1400m last time out.
The Wendy Whitehead-trained mare has already earned black type that will enhance her paddock value but signing off in a Listed event will make her just that more valuable as a broodmare prospect. She does have a big weight to shoulder here but some of her best form has been on this course and she is more than capable.
Humdinger represents the younger brigade and given her recent record, it will be some time before she heads off to the breeding paddocks. She won two races in KZN before being moved to Mike de Kock on the Highveld where she placed three times for her new stable.
But back in KZN she proved far too strong for a useful Graduation Plate field and although she has the widest draw she should run another forward race. Alyson Wright will be looking to keep Time To Roll on a roll with the filly bidding for a fourth straight win. She does take on stronger here so this will be a test of her mettle but can follow up. Duncan Howells tried Aquae Sulis in the Track & Ball Oaks but the 2400m event proved to be way out of her compass. Dropped to a more suitable trip on the poly next time out, she was caught close home, beaten a short head. She goes well this trip and will have her supporters.
Macara, stable companion to Mount Laurel, has been plagued by a host of problems during her career, but came good over course and distance last time out. She is smart on her day and quite capable of another big showing.
It is a tricky handicap but Mount Laurel has a touch of class and can defy top weight and the expected challenge from Humdinger.
