Two of the Cape’s most exciting three-year-old fillies, Reet Petite and Viva La Vida, meet in Race 6 over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday — an extra meeting added after high entry numbers. Both are seen as potential contenders for the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas on 6 December.
Unbeaten in two starts, Reet Petite has created a big impression with her effortless win over Mighty Mary at Durbanville, cruising home by 2.25 lengths without being fully extended. Trained by James Crawford and partnered by Richard Fourie, she now makes her Kenilworth debut — the track that hosts Cape Town’s premier races — and is expected to adapt easily.
By contrast, Viva La Vida is more workmanlike but equally talented. She’s put together three consecutive wins, showing grit and determination that could prove decisive in a battle like this. Trained by Vaughan Marshall, whose yard is in fine form, she’ll be ridden by Sean Veale. Her added experience might give her the slightest edge, though Reet Petite’s raw brilliance remains the drawcard.
Behind the leading pair, Hunga Tonga is the best of the rest, likely to appreciate the drop back to 1600m after possibly not staying 1800m last time.
Elsewhere on the card, Got The Look looks ready to shed her maiden tag in Race 2 after two seconds, while Kattekwaadkwadraad and well-bred Ms Sakura are strong contenders in Race 3. Clark Griswold could continue his improvement to take Race 4, and Star In Motion may bounce back in Race 5 after a class drop.
In the later races, Mente Et Manu aims for a third straight win in Race 7, and Midnight Lady, impressive on debut, could close the card with another victory in Race 9.
