Clive Robinson
It is the Michael Roberts raceday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday which includes the headline act – the Listed Michael Roberts Stakes over 1750m. And while the legendary jockey-turned-trainer, after who the raceday is named, usually has runners in just about all the races, this time, he doesn’t have a runner in the headline act.
However, what he does have is the best bet on the card – Isn’t She Bonny in Race 4, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m.
The speedy daughter of Querari was unlucky to lose on debut as she was caught by Petit Verdot, a horse who did little in the early stages, while Isn’t She Bonny fought it out with challengers who came at her from all sides.
She also travelled hard in her second start and after appearing to have the upper hand, started to hang. But the horses who passed her late, namely Spirited Flight and La Pura Vida, are held in high regard by their connections.
Both those races were over 1200m at Scottsville and the drop to 1000m should suit in a field that should hold no fears for her.
Rachel Venniker rode her in both starts and is back in the irons once again, claiming her 1.5kg allowance.
Roberts-trained Arverni King has strong form and would have been top choice in Race 2 but for a wide barrier of No 15 but more importantly his main adversary, Paris Rain, has secured gate No 1.
The latter caught the eye last time, and although he finished 0.60 lengths behind Arverni King, he was only getting stronger at the end and looks the one to couple in a double with Isn’t She Bonny.
Paris Rain rates the banker bet in exotics in the 1600m Maiden Plate.
While trainer Andre Nel has had a tough season so far, Cape Eagle has been shining brightly in KwaZulu-Natal. The gelded son of Vercingetorix has been enjoying himself up front winning three of his last four races and he could be difficult to catch once again.
He may go on to land the Michael Roberts Stakes – a conditions race –but all of Dawnofanewday, Fight Song, Queue Wing and Back to Black are strong contenders who he meets for the first time.
