Racing in KwaZulu-Natal at this time of year can be trying for punters. The big guns have gone home or are being prepared for the forthcoming feature seasons in the three provinces, leaving the lessor lights to take centre stage.
Trainers without stars in their yards have had to box clever, waiting for opportunities, and often the form is not obvious. However, when the money arrives, it is most often on the mark. Punters face another competitive card on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening, but there is always opportunity for those prepared to marry form with the market.
The feature is a Middle Stakes for fillies and mares over 1200m. Assistant Terry Fripp saddles Scarlet Macaw for Candice Bass, dropping the mare to a sprint. She has useful Gr1 form and, despite fluffing her lines as a hot favourite last time, her class could see her make amends. Match That, saddled by Frank Robinson for Justin Snaith, showed up well on her KZN debut and should enjoy the trip, although she has a wide draw. Infinity Edge has been hammered by the handicappers and still carries a big weight despite dropping to a 103 rating. The blinkers come off and she has the best draw. Miss World is seldom out of the money and runs well here.
The supporting feature is a C Stakes over 1200m. Scots Wae Hae can make amends after blowing the start when favourite last time. He showed promise in his first two and deserves another chance. Kid From The South shed his maiden over this course and distance and looked progressive first up. Who Blinked has consistent turf form and gets a 4kg claimer. Xenophon, Sean Tarry’s only runner, has patchy form but can compete if on song.
Blenheim Palace looks the likely short-priced favourite in the first after three promising runs. Chantilly Lady, lightly raced and much improved at her second start, could be the danger.
Dreadnaught, Clinton Binda’s only runner, has shown up well in both starts and was a close third over this distance. Judiciary, Danny Atlas and Sebastiaan provide serious opposition, with the latter improving nicely and worth watching in the market.
Zagreb, for Ricky Maingard, is lightly raced, down in class and has more to offer. Song To The Moon is consistent, down two ratings points and well drawn, while Next Of Kin gets a useful claimer.
Captain’s Pride and Blue Poppy meet on the same terms after a neck separated them last time, but Captain’s Pride finished stronger. Rikkitikkitavi is 1kg worse off, while Spirit Of Shimla carries a rating penalty after winning comfortably.
Taylor’s Version drops in class and has a useful apprentice from a handy draw. Amphitrite carries just 48.5kg and could go close. Mountainsofthemoon has suspect turf form, while Ocotillo returns from a short break.
In the 1000m finale, Tipperary can follow up after finally winning her maiden at her 32nd attempt. Angel’s Oasis should improve for her stable debut, Sovereign Gem continues to progress, and Japura could feature if fit after her lengthy break.
