The highest-rated race on Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville card is the Progress Plate over 1200m, where Exocet looks the one to beat.
The Mehmas colt appears capable of rising above his current rating. He showed an impressive turn of foot when winning over 1000m on the poly at his third start and should appreciate the step up in trip. Although returning from a nine-month break, this distance may help him overcome the absence. Stablemate Esteemed is also promising after finishing a two-length second in the Gr 2 TAB SA Nursery. Despite being rated 14 points higher than Exocet, he receives 3kg and has Richard Fourie aboard. He returns from a 16-month layoff, but the Mike and Mathew de Kock stable should have both runners fit enough to perform well.
Amelia’s Legacy has plenty of class and her recent disappointing efforts can be attributed to losing confidence following a starting stall incident. The drop back to 1200m could help her rediscover her best form and she carries a feather weight. The Last Duke is race-fit and could upset the more fancied runners, all of whom have questions to answer, while Good For You, a Gr 2 winner, has the class to feature and may appreciate the shorter trip.
The first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m looks competitive. Trombolines should appreciate the distance in his third run after a layoff and jumps from pole position. El Dante has class and is expected to improve from his latest outing over an ideal course and distance, while Next Of Kin is consistent and should be in the finish.
In Race 5 over 1750m, Black Platina is better than her latest run and can bounce back over a suitable course and distance with Craig Zackey aboard. Chaos Queen can feature if reproducing her latest effort, while Takethegreenlight has claims despite a difficult draw.
The sixth race sees talented Showgirl return from an eight-month break. She could still prove well ahead of the handicapper off a rating of 76. Xenophon has been disappointing of late but has the ability to bounce back, while Gorgeous Guy is another capable runner seeking improvement.
In Race 8 over 1200m, Hah Lah Lah looks progressive and can make it three wins from four starts. Best Of All and Kalahari Roller are obvious dangers, while Masterofthedesert could still be ahead of the handicapper after his KZN debut win. Military Command also has plenty of ability.
In Race 9, Rags To Riches impressed when winning second time out and the form has worked out well. She is preferred ahead of Sovereign Gem and Lady Jean.
Earlier on the card, Prized Possession looks capable of shedding her maiden in Race 3, Cartel Queen has the form to go close in Race 2, and Egolee can go one better after an encouraging debut in the opener.
David Thiselton
