The Farm Sales Stakes, a non-black type race for recently turned three-year-olds that heads the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, has attracted a modest field of seven considering the R400 000 stake on offer as the majority of the field are maidens.
So the result could rest between the two horses with wins behind their name, Golden Tatjana and Qhawe Lami. Glen Kotzen has not been shy to pit Golden Tatjana against males and in hindsight her last outing behind star turn Sandringham Summit in the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe was a decent effort.
She has good form on this course in feature company, touched off by Cliff Hanger in the Godolphin Barb Stakes and then fourth behind star filly Mrs Geriatrix in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship.
On that form she could get the better of Clinton Binda’s gelding Qhawe Lami who appears to be something of a 1000m specialist at this stage of his career. However, both f his wins have come over the Turffontein inside track and he could well take to the tricky Scottsville track.
Of the maidens, Sean Tarry sends out the cleverly named Dhoni who made a cracking debut. Of concern is that the race was over a mile and he is down to a sprint. However, given the stable form he cannot be overlooked lightly.
The first two races are tricky affairs with a number of first timers in each. Judged on trainers comments, none are expecting fireworks so it may be best to stick to the exposed runners although the market should be closely monitored.
Teatime Tipple has shown up well in two starts for Stuart Ferrie and was narrowly beaten last time out. He must have a strong chance while Licence To Thrill was a distant second on debut but the winner of that race looks to be a little above average. Kaygee’s Delight improved at long odds over course and distance at only his second start and can feature and the same goes for Mat Del Plata who also improved second time out but the betting could prove to be your best guide.
Yogas Govender saddles Twinklelittlestar in the second who almost upset on debut, finishing second at long odds. She should come on from that effort. Madame Zee, formerly Madame Zebre, has also been showing some steady improvement. She switches to the turf which may be a concern. Paul Gadsby’s filly Sea Of Tears has had many chances but tends to find a couple better. She is back over her best course and distance. Alyson Wright had her best season ever with over 50 trips to the winner’s enclosure and she sends out Purple Flower who drifted in the market on debut but stayed on well to finish just over two lengths back to the winner.
Aberdeen takes on a mostly modest field in the third from a good draw. He goes well this course and Glen Kotzen’s runner should make the frame for PA punters. Visiting trainer Fanie Bronkhorst sends out Mambos Call who should pose a threat as he appeared to enjoy the step up in trip last time out. A likely improver is Potent Captain who charge has caught the eye in both sprints that he has contested and he will enjoy the mile. Also going the mile for the first time for Garth Puller is Kumemori who has a plum draw and is likely to show good improvement.
Gareth van Zyl relinquished his KZN trainers title to Garth Puller in a tight contest but Reefway can get his season off to a winning start. She is on her best course and was not far back in tough male company last time out. African Folklore is unbeaten in two on this course in only four starts. She has a light weight which is probably why stable rider Tristan Godden has had to opt for stable companion Sweet Symphony. Bevies Delight has tumbled in the ratings from 104 three runs back to 94 and although Peter Muscutt’s runner has top weight she has been a tad unlucky on occasion. Sting Ray pressed Captain’s Christy all the way to the line last start and Tiennie Prinsloo’s mare has strong claims on that showing given her light weight.
Fairy Tree can pay for Fanie Bronkhorst’s trip as she looks to have a lively chance in the eighth. She is in good Highveld form and has a light weight. My Cherie Amour has been confined to the poly at recent outings but has been close-up and must have a strong winning chance. Paul Lafferty sends out Manic Monday who has been beaten by Reckless Love on two occasions but was second over course and distance last time out. Reckless Love is again in opposition and has come good for Wendy Whitehead of late as she tries for a winning hat-trick. However, both of those wins have come on the poly which may be a concern.
Best bet on the day could come with Givers Grace in the last. Carl Hewitson’s filly has shown some good form in feature company and could prove a little too classy for this field. Gelsomina could be a threat as she has been in good form on the poly of late and has a handy weight. Duncan Howells has two runner. Foreshore was a recent maiden winner and improved with every run for her new stable while French Princess is never far off but needs to show more although the switch back to the turf may suit.
