Trainer Mike Stewart has expertly managed Demanding Dave, guiding the progressive sprinter through the ranks to stakes company. The in-form gelding lines up at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, bidding for a breakthrough victory in the Champagne Stakes over 1200m.
A crowd favourite in Cape Town, Demanding Dave has won four of his last six starts, showcasing a sharp turn of foot and an eye-catching late surge. His last run in the Easter Sprint saw him finish 1.3 lengths behind Dance Variety, but traffic issues at a crucial stage likely cost him momentum. Jockey Andrew Fortune, unbeaten in three rides aboard him, reunites at a light weight, boosting confidence of a rebound.
Sardinia Bay, another promising three-year-old, finished just ahead of Demanding Dave last time and meets him at level weights. His natural early pace is a weapon, though softer ground could test him. Dance Variety, despite inconsistency, remains a major threat if reproducing his best form.
Earlier on the card, The Cullinan appeals in Race 1 after a solid debut, while Godric Gryffindor poses a fitness query returning from a break. In Race 2, Vercicat showed promise when runner-up after gelding and could improve further under Tristan Godden.
Race 3 sees Pay The Palace dropping in class after competing against top company, including a credible run behind Jet Force. With Richard Fourie aboard, he looks a leading contender.
The mile contest (Race 4) is competitive, with Spanish Verse overdue a win after consecutive narrow defeats, while Blizzardboy, Zagreb, and See The Sign all hold claims.
In Race 5, Spirit Of Nical has shown improvement and could capitalize, though Up In Flames may bounce back. Race 6 is open, but Devil A Saint is well treated at the weights and could reverse recent form, while Oliver, from an in-form yard, is a late-running danger if the pace suits.
The closing stages feature Star World, who impressed last start and could follow up, with Iona Castle emerging as a progressive threat.
