Hollywoodbets Scottsville has been undergoing its annual spring treatment but the scorching heat over the last week, with more predicted, has not been ideal. However, the sprinklers will have been working overtime and the turf surface will no doubt be a billiard table surface.
In the card opener, Trippi T takes on mostly younger rivals ere but after showing some useful Cape form for Andre Nel he made a smart local debut. He should go close. Silver Savage has come into his own at recent outings and has done well on this course and will be a big threat. Railroad was a beaten favourite last run but did drift in the market. Stable rider has preferred Castle Mey so the market could provide a guide. Bomber Stream was most disappointing last run but may have battled in the soft. Not out of it on his penultimate showing.
In the second Dawn Surprise has been consistent over course and distance and should produce another good effort and can go one better for Gary Rich. One Smart Cookie has only missed the money twice in seven outings. She tried further with first time blinkers last run but a drop back in trip could prove a better option. An Air Of Pride has been costly to follow if you back on-the-nose but she has been consistent and cannot be ignored as a likely winner. Elusive Belle has shown some fair form over further but is back to a sprint. It may be a case of back-to-the-drawing-boards for Louise Goosen.
The third is a tricky maiden but Connoisseur has come on with each outing for Duncan Howells and was a close-up second last start after a short break. He is improving and his form has worked out well. Global Movement made no show on the poly in his local debut over a distance seemingly short of his best. Tienie Prinsloo has removed the blinkers and booked Richard Fourie over what looks to be a more suitable trip. Doug Campbell has two veteran runners who are battling for their maiden win but both are in good form of late. Power Star looks the pick after failing narrowly last time out but does stay the trip whereas Hunter’s Arrow has not been far back over shorter at his last two and Craig Zackey stays with the ride.
Howells could have a quick double as Papa C has his third run after a break but has been doing well in the interim. He goes well this trip and Howells has stayed with top apprentice Jame Lihaba. Querari’s Dream is lightly raced and was a recent maiden winner. He looks to have come into himself and can follow up. Shoefella has been knocking on the door of late. It has been a long time between drinks but looks to be coming along the right way. Quantifier has not been out of the money of late but all his runs have been over further. Under top weight he could find this a touch on the sharp side.
Joshua Hotsnake seldom runs a bad race for Wendy Whitehead who looks to have picked the right race chasing his sixth win in the fifth. He was a close-up second behind Cupid’s Song on the poly last time out and Tony Rivalland’s charge was due to run last Wednesday for a further boost to the form. All The Time comes off a string of three straight wins for Yogas Govender but has crept up the handicap and may now be in his place. However, the field is not strong and he can make it four. Masterbling drops in class and did show some improvement in blinkers last time out. Fourie rides which is always a good sign. Iron Will was something of a surprise winner over course and distance last time out but is now 2.5kg worse off in the handicap which could prove telling.
Ode To The Ocean is visiting trainer Paul Matchette’s only runner on the day. She has taken time to come to hand but has been going the right way of late and looks primed for this. Phutulicious is lightly raced and shed his maiden in good fashion. He should find himself on good ground for the first time and can follow up. Giambattista has won his last two over the distance on the poly. He has done well on the turf and must have a strong winning chance.
The seventh is a tough race but Northern Warrior could prove to be one of the better bets on the card. Northern Warrior has been knocking at the door for some time now and Michael Roberts appears to have picked the right race. Stable rider Rachel Venniker will be down to her absolute minimum which is always a good sign for punters. Apprentice James Lihaba has been ‘jocked off’ El Draque who he has partnered to two wins and two placings at his last two runs and is now aboard stable companion Voldemort whose form is not that inspiring but the switch to the turf could be the key. Winter Baron is down in class and has good recent form on this course. He has a fair weight but cannot be left out of any exotics.
In the last Nellie Melba is a recent maiden winner but can round off the day. The form of her last run has worked out well and she can follow up in this company. Shona Kirsty Yves has been making steady progress since being fitted with blinkers and is much better off in the weights with Maggi Smith who finished ahead of her last time. Sting Ray was a narrow winner last run under Richard Fourie who has jumped ship to ride Nellie Melba which could be telling.
