Punters face a tricky start to Wednesday’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse, with the opening two races featuring several debutants. Serious bettors may prefer to tread carefully early on.
A stronger betting opportunity could come in the first leg of the PA where Randolph Hearst makes his local debut. The Justin Snaith-trained runner has been competing against some of the best three-year-olds in Cape Town and has not been far behind. Dropping into this company gives him a strong chance to make an immediate impact.
Dominic Zaki’s Talk To The Master arrives in good form after a win in the Fever Tree Stakes but faces a tougher task conceding 6kg to his younger rival.
In the first leg of the Pick 6, Highveld Storm showed promise on local debut in first-time blinkers and should improve further. War Emperor has been progressing steadily and ran a close second last time out, while Good Omen has finished runner-up over course and distance in his last two starts and now benefits from a 4kg claim. Frostbite could be the pick of the Frikkie Greyling pair after a modest debut.
The fifth is a difficult handicap with several runners trying 2400m for the first time. Can We Start has scope to improve over the trip, while Fire Force is the only runner proven at the distance and arrives off a solid second.
Ladyofdistinction has shown class since returning from a break with two convincing wins and should again be competitive in race six. One Smart Cookie steps up in trip with consistent sprint form and looks a major threat.
Maphaka should bounce back after a disappointing polytrack effort and faces easier opposition, while Tam’s Knight and consistent Cowboy Country can also feature.
The finale is wide open, though veteran Sun Dazed could benefit from the drop in trip and the addition of blinkers. Intrepid, Trippi’s Silk and Definitely Yes all hold chances.
Among the early races, Flamethrower and Quest Of Valor showed promise on debut, while well-bred newcomer One Pepper is worth monitoring in the betting.
