Dean Kannemeyer holds a strong hand in the Gr3 Track & Ball Derby that heads the card at Hoillywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday. He has three runners in a small field but stable rider Keagan de Melo has opted for Runaway Song who looks to have the right credentials although this will be his first attempt a 2400m. Not having gone further than a mile, one must take his stamina on trust but Kannemeyer is a master at training horses that stay a trip.
Tony Peter has made a fine start to his training career and sends out confirmed stayer Shangani. Best draw a line through his Gold Bowl performance as he has excellent form over this trip. Mike de Kock sends out Aragosta who has been consistent of late and stays the trip well. He is a July entry but will have to win with authority if he is to make the final line-up. Airways Law is another July entry but has lost his way of late although his last effort after a break was over a trip way short of his best.
The Track & Ball Oaks is competitive but three that contested the Gr1 Woolavington could fight this out. Hold My Hand has been in cracking form and although not managing to win, Glen Kotzen’s filly has been right up there with the best and should put in another bold showing. Piere Strydom is down to partner Light Of The Moon for his only ride of the day for Barend Botes and Yolanda Vosloo. There was only half-a-length separating the two in the Woolavington and Botes seldom travels unless he feels his charges have good winning chances. Lucky Houdalakis sends out SA Oaks winner None Other who has not stamina limitations. She was not far behind Hold My Hand and Light Of The Moon in the Woolavington and these three should finish on top of each other. Dawnofanewday is getting better as she goes further and has only twice finished out of the money in 19 starts for Kannemeyer.
Isivunguvungu is one of the country’s top sprinters and although Peter Muscutt’s sprinter carries top weight but should still be hard to beat in the eighth. He won well last time out and should start at short odds. Sorting out the balance is tricky. Tempting Fate, now with Dean Kannemeyer could be the surprise package. He showed up well first run back from a break for his new stable and he has done well on this course. Faustino, formerly with Kom Naidoo and now with Gareth van Zyl is quick and is over his best course and distance. He hates the poly and this is his third run for his new stable.
