Few horses have endured more bad luck than Please Be True. In small fields, he often finishes strongly from the back, only to find his run blocked. Yet he still manages to finish close, underlining his ability. Back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville—where he boasts a win and two close seconds from three starts—he looks a major player in Race 5 over 1500m on Wednesday.
His course record includes a scalp over the talented Empire State. In his latest run at Kenilworth, he was beaten just 1.5 lengths by Captain West despite heavy interference. A similar story unfolded in May when he finished 2.5 lengths behind Air Raid. When luck finally fell his way, he narrowly beat Promettere. Trainer Justin Snaith rates him highly, and with S’Manga Khumalo aboard, he could be set for another breakthrough.
The main danger is Gold Dust, a big, scopey type who needed his comeback run after a layoff. He finished just over a length behind Please Be True last time and should improve. San Pedro is another threat. Though inconsistent, his front-running style could suit the track, and under Richard Fourie from the widest draw, he’ll likely set the pace.
Elsewhere, race 1 features a host of first-timers, with Beautiful One bringing the best exposed form. Watch the betting on Calanque, Redlight Lane and Lark’s Song. Balzi Rossi should take beating in race 2, though well-bred debutante Viva’s Liberte could spring a surprise.
In race 4, consistent Katsu is the one to beat, while Blind Date looks progressive. Wehaveasituation thrives at Durbanville and tops race 6, though Snaith’s duo Tap Shoes and Lady Springfield are dangers.
Closing out the day, Dumbledore appeals in race 7, while Midway could dominate race 8—provided he holds his focus late.
