Telio has been most disappointing. She had Cataleya Summer and then Green Chili behind her when finishing up close earlier in her career and in retrospect should have won straight after. Both mentioned have gone to win twice since with the latter now headed for black type status.
Telio lost her way when tried over 1600m but was also most disappointing in a very weak field last time out when reverting back to a more suitable 1400m for a second time.
That run was on the poly and she didn’t appear comfortable in that race.
On Wednesday 22 March she not only drops back further to 1200m, but will also have blinkers fitted, and will not have to navigate a turn when she lines up in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.
Perhaps that is exactly what she needs to regain confidence in a rather weak field.
She will also jump at healthy odds.
While Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1100m, could go to Highveld colt Micke’s Bomb on the face of a prominent showing in a strong debut race up at Turffontein, horseplayers will do well to follow the paths of newcomers Andy Coogle and Bomber Stream.
The pair, while racing for different yards and are by different stallions, are related to 15-time winning speed sensation Global Drummer and current rising star Cruise Control. Follow the betting moves closely here.
One of the most interesting runners on the day is Release Me, who takes his place in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. Like Micke’s Bomb, he brings form from out of the province and as such could be very dangerous.
At the height of the Western Cape season where the standard of the racing is of an exceptional quality, he was not far off in competitive heats. To make matters worse, he had to overcome wide draws in fast going and so his form could be a lot better than it appears.
The swinger of the day comes up in Race 5, a MR90 Handicap over 1200m, where Beechamwood Boy is looking to shrug off another hike in merit rating after doubling up last time. He may find it tough to peg back Putins Promise who loves speeding along down the straight at this venue. Another nice race.
Clive Robinson
