As the new racing season begins, expectations are renewed for many, including Andrew Fortune, who starts another campaign at 59 years old. He has a fair book of rides at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday, with his best chance coming aboard Cork Bay in Race 8 over 1200m.
Cork Bay has done little wrong in three runs after a 15-month break. He returned with a head-turning victory over this course and distance, a huge training feat by Andre Nel. He beat Blind Date by 1.75 lengths, and that rival has won twice since. His next two runs produced a third and second over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, including a penultimate effort behind the progressive Witch Hazel before a narrow defeat to Lyrical Gangster last time.
He meets Lyrical Gangster again and enjoys a favourable 2.5kg pull in the weights for a 0.75-length defeat, which should be enough to reverse the result. He has also drawn gate No. 1, a position that proved advantageous before the Kenilworth break. Lyrical Gangster has gate No. 4 and may have turned the corner after his last win. While the weights suggest he has work to do to hold Cork Bay, he should not be far away.
The most interesting runner is Gold Dust, who returned from a six-month layoff with an impressive sprint victory for Michelle Rix before a respectable 1400m effort. Back over this course and distance, he reunites with Sifiso Bungane, although gate No. 11 is less than ideal.
Athandiwe Mgudlwa makes a rare Cape Town visit to ride Follow Your Heart for Candice Bass. The enigmatic gelding is capable of upsetting stronger rivals and is worth including in wider bets.
Greg Ennion could strike early with El Cohete in Race 1 over 1000m. She has been placed four times from five starts, including a promising third behind One Magic over this course and distance. Keep an eye on record R9-million purchase Wreath Of Snow, who has worked pleasingly but may prefer further than 1000m.
Sabre Wing sets the standard in Race 2 after a pleasing debut over 1250m when making up ground from a wide draw. Andrew Fortune rides, while Over My Shoulder also impressed in a recent gallop.
African Wild Dog looks ready to shed his maiden tag in Race 3 over 1400m after finishing ahead of It’sgood It’snice on 16 June. Every run has shown improvement.
Odds And Evens rates the best bet in Race 4 after two recent near misses, while Una The Unicorn and last-start winner Hampstead Heath headline Race 5.
Etoilefillante is overdue another win in Race 6 and rates the horse to beat from gate No. 1 under Mpumi Mjoka. Race 7 lacks depth, with Shifting Path, carrying just 50.5kg under Varun Jodhee, given a chance on rain-affected ground.
