A scorching pace is expected in race 2 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, and that could play perfectly into the hands of the progressive North Point.
Injured for several months after a smart juvenile campaign that included beating Demanding Dave, North Point has returned in top form. After a six-month break, he finished a close second to Demanding Dave at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, then franked that effort with a strong win over Black Eagle. With confirmed speedsters Elusive Winter and Candy Town likely to ensure a furious gallop, North Point can sit off them and strike late under JP van der Merwe for James Crawford.
Elusive Winter’s raw speed has earned him five wins, and with a 4kg claim he will be dangerous if left alone. Candy Town also has natural pace but can be inconsistent.
Fort Yukon looks the one in race 1 after a solid second behind Cedar Point and should capitalise on that improved form. In race 3, Lyrical Gangster has scope to build on his recent maiden win and subsequent second.
Kamchatka is the key runner in race 4. She was far from disgraced in the Clapham Stakes and, if effective over 1250m, will be hard to beat.
Star World is knocking on the door in race 5, while Gin Palace can follow up her fluent Kenilworth win in race 6 despite a jockey change.
Show Off was desperately unlucky last time and deserves compensation in race 7. Theleia, improving with racing, could confirm recent progress in the finale.
