Cats Pajamas has long rated among the country’s better sprinters and can underline his class when he lines up in the African Holly Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Now with Nathan Kotzen, the Rafeef gelding returns from a November break and, despite a big weight, looks one of the stronger bets on a bumper 10-race card. His recent form includes solid efforts behind top sprinters such as Minogue, I Am Giant and Gladatorian, and a close fourth in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint behind Buffalo Storm Cody.
His main rival is course specialist William Robertson, the best weighted in the race and runner-up in this contest last year. King Of The Gauls adds speed after a dominant poly win, while Convocation looks outclassed despite her light weight.
Wild Justice heads the B Stakes after winning three of four starts but is worse off at the weights with Major Tommie. Circumbendibus is in good form and should be competitive, while lightly raced Cowboy Country is a possible improver.
In the C Stakes over 1950m, Master Du Rouvray arrives in strong form with two wins from his last five. High Queue, runner-up in his last two, and Spectacular with a 4kg claimer are the main dangers.
The opening race features exciting juvenile Master Magician, who impressed on debut for Mike Miller and could prove hard to beat. Andrew Fortune travels to ride Blue Steel, who brings solid Cape form into a competitive contest.
Elsewhere, the opening Pick 6 leg is an open staying maiden, while La Maddalena appeals in a tricky handicap later on. The finale is wide open, with Fascination, Light Of Gabriel, Tomyris and consistent Winter Rainfall all holding winning chances under favourable weights.
