The three-month finale of the South African racing season is on the horizon and many trainers are warming up the engines. There are three features at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday and it should pay for punters to pay attention.
In the Gr3 Godolphin Barb Stakes, Outlaw King is unbeaten in two very easy wins for Dean Kannemeyer and he could again be difficult to beat. He looks progressive and Kannemeyer will surely have the Gr1 Gold Medallion in mind. Warrior Of Royalty blew the start on debut and followed up with a comfortable win next time out for Nathan Kotzen. He was beaten by Yogas Govender’s Cliff Hanger on debut but I fancy that the tables will be turned. Horses up from the Cape have been having a field day in their first starts in KZN and Brett Crawford saddles The Abdicator, his first runner, who has been contesting feature events and should have a bright chance.
The Gr3 Strelitza Stakes in not an easy race although Candice Bass-Robinson holds a strong hand with Winter Cloud and The Charleston, both winning their last two starts. Grant van Niekerk was aboard both at their last outing but stable rider Aldo Domeyer would be hard-pressed to make the 58kg of The Charleston. The betting could be your best guide here. African Folklore could be the pick of the Mike Miller contingent although Epic View won well second time out at long odds and could be anything.
The In Full Flight Handicap is a wide open sprint but Tony Rivalland has a high regard for Coin Spinner and he should come on lengths from his last effort, his first since August last year. The blinkers go on and he has a handy weight. Gladatorian is smart although he proved no match for a strong feature field in Cape Town last time out. This is his first run for Stuart Ferrie. Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles Sheldon who has consistent Highveld form over shorter but the extra 100m should not trouble him. Beechamwood Boy has won his last two in commanding fashion but takes on much stronger here. However, he has a light weight and can continue his run for Wendy Whitehead.
The Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes has been named in honour of one of the doyens of South African racing, Dennis Drier but is could go the way of the Peter Muscutt-trained Bevies Delight. She was running on smartly under a soft ride last time out and was well thought-off early in her career. She will face strong opposition from Ameena who showed up well first run back after a lengthy break. She won this race last year for Glen Kotzen and form often goes in yearly cycles. Alula’s Star has useful Highveld form for rare KZN visitor Stuart Pettigrew and can finish in the money. Miss Cool and Maharanee both have warm-ups for the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas in a fortnights time but both are good enough to finish in the money.
