There is nothing anti-climactic about Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card, with a competitive 10-race programme highlighted by the Clapham Stakes (1600m) in race 8.
Kamchatka headlines the meeting after a sharp drop in class following two strong stakes efforts. She finished 1,5 lengths behind Cape Town Met runner Legal Counsel over this course and distance before holding her own in the One Voucher Victress Stakes over 1800m. Despite top weight of 60kg, she looks well placed under Serino Moodley for Andre Nel. Notably, she is the only runner older than three in the race, and recent three-year-old form appears some way below the best fillies seen earlier in the season.
Beach Verse continues to improve steadily and remains unbeaten outside the top four. While she has faced modest opposition, her pedigree—by Vercingetorix out of Beach Beauty—demands respect. Educator is another with claims after a convincing last-start win, where she beat Boozy Suzie with something in hand. With Craig Zackey aboard, further progress is possible.
Race 7 sees Empire State as the top choice. Now third run back from a seven-month break, he shaped encouragingly when fourth behind Demanding Dave and should be nearing peak fitness. Three Tigers, Gold Giboski and North Point are promising sprinters who will be well tested here.
Earlier on the card, Sweet Green and Hero’s Journey look the main players in the 1000m opener, with Sweet Green’s early speed possibly decisive. Swift Serenity appeals in race 2, taking on males with a weight concession and Gavin Lerena aboard.
Cantona is expected to build on a surprise debut second in race 3, while Ferryman’s eye-catching debut makes him one to watch in race 4, boasting elite family connections.
Viva’s Liberté returns from a break in race 5 and is highly regarded despite this being a low-pressure run. Supreme Fate stands out as one of the best bets in race 9, while Flying South is a tentative selection in the closing event.
