A small but talented field lines up for the Grade 3 Langerman over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The race has produced stars like One World and Eight On Eighteen, and this year’s running could be another pointer to the future.
Randolph Hearst is the one to beat, despite a narrow defeat to Roland Garros over this course and distance last time. He was caught flat-footed but finished strongly, and should strip fitter now. JP van der Merwe retains the ride, while Richard Fourie again partners Roland Garros. Both represent the powerful Bass-Robinson yard, and either could emerge on top.
Dreamworld represents Vaughan Marshall, a trainer with a superb Langerman record. He beat subsequent Listed Somerset 1200 winner Absolutely Yes earlier in the season, and steps up to 1500m for the first time. Gavin Lerena takes the ride. Absolutely Yes has earned black type already and could be dangerous if he sees out the trip.
Unbeaten Happy Verse is the dark horse. He’s by a stamina-influencing sire and has beaten older winners, so while the jump in class is steep, his professional attitude counts in his favour.
In the Listed Irridescence Stakes for two-year-old fillies, She’s My World brings solid form from open company, having finished fourth behind Absolutely Yes. If she handles the extra ground, she sets the standard in a slightly weaker renewal. Electromagnetism, who beat older runners last time, looks the biggest danger, while Ukuduma — out of Grade 1 winner Thunder Dance — could relish this step up in trip.
On the undercard, Star Major (Race 1) and Splash Of Colour (Race 2) look ready to break through. Ahead Of The Facts is on the up and can double up in Race 5. My Only Weakness (Race 8) and Dark Winter (Race 9) are well-placed to bounce back, while Saint Brigid (Race 10) and Elusive Winter (Race 11) round off a card full of betting opportunities.
Expect a fascinating day of racing, with future stars, deep form lines, and some well-measured gambles for punters.
