Most of the weekend’s interest will be centered on Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday where One Stripe will be out to add one final local pay cheque to his booming stake winnings before heading off to the United States. The winning purse for the R5 million HSH Princess Charlene Big Cap is R3 million and barring a major upset, the race should prove little more than a doddle for One Stripe who is all of 8kg best in at the weights.
However, with Hollywoodbets Kenilworth hosting the big racing on Sunday, Hollywoodbets Scottsville hosts a competitive eight-race programme where punters will be tested.
One of the better bets on the card could come in the fourth where Mark Dixon saddles Master Du Rouvray. The gelding may just have needed his last run, his first back after a lengthy break and he meets some modest opposition. He should be able to go one better. O Space O could be his biggest threat although he was a little disappointing when send out a short-prices favourite last time out. MJ Odendaal’s charge has improved in blinkers and this shorter trip may suit. Vencedor has not been far back in his last two on this course and this appears to be his ideal trip. Doin’ Time is a long-time battler having his 24th start but his last run was much improved although that was on the poly.
Beautiful Rania in the sixth could come home at decent odds as she has come down in the handicap and now looks to be off a more competitive mark. She is never too far behind. Fort J’Dore is the best performed in the race going for her sixth win and although she has the widest draw she is back on her more favoured surface and should feature in this company. Siberian Winter also has a wide draw to contend with but has shown up well in her two recent sprints and the extra furlong could suit. Buttercup Baby looks progressive and has only had three starts. She was not far back in her handicap debut and could prefer this shorter trip.
Golden Chandelier has her first run for Dennis Bosch in the seventh and is one to watch in the market. Her Highveld form had gone off at recent outings but the change of environment could bring out the best although she does return from a lengthy break. Happy Analia found stable companion One Smart Cookie just too smart at her last run but it was an improved effort. Tienie Prinsloo’s filly goes well on this course. Mamas Baby could be a threat as she has started favourite in four of her last five starts. Her last two were on the poly where she won and was a close-up second at her most recent so is one to include in most calculations.
In the eighth Lexican Point makes his local debut for Frikkie Greyling after showing some fair Cape form. That form has recently proven stronger than local and the change of environment and a big drop in the ratings could see him home for his second win. Mar Del Plata has been in good form over course and distance and should give another good account. All The Time has run two big races over course and distance of late and is now 1.5kg better off with Abaddon who jumped five points in the handicap for his last win with All The Time less than a length back.
In the opening leg of the Pick 6, Ms Galore has not had much luck in running in both starts. She made a smart debut and if building on that could be the one to beat in an open affair although she does take on males. Verification made some improvement second time out and her first on turf. She can do better in this field while Life On The Tides improved nicely second time at the races. He should have a god chance in this field. Upset material is Sovereign Command who has been disappointing since showing early promise but could surprise on his best showing.
In the opening leg of the jackpot, a maiden plate, Call Me Harriet got a big shunt up the ratings after her second to the promising Mocha Blend but disappointed next time out on the poly. She stays the trip and should be competitive in this line-up. Danger could be Royal Mermaid who has only had three starts, two of those on the poly where she did not shape. However, her one effort on the turf showed some promise and she meets a modest line-up. Umzolozolo has not been far back at recent outings over shorter. The step up in trip should suit while Magic Maverick put in a much better showing last time out when running on late. This trip should suit.
Black Frost is the only runner to have been in a race in the card opener and has shown some ability. Experience could count but I’m A Fireball got a thumbs up from the De Kock stable and given a good each-way chance.
In the first leg of the PA, Captain’s Pride has shown up well in both starts to date and does rate the one to beat while Malshana Mou found some market support on debut but did not handle the soft ground and is likely to improve.
