There should be no fear in backing a filly against male opposition when the conditions favour her. Race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville is a Middle Stakes where fillies receive a 2,5kg concession, specifically designed to encourage them to take on males. Pink Pigeon is well placed to claim an overdue victory.
She has not won since January but has gone close in six subsequent starts, finishing second in her last three. She was beaten by Berry’s Boogie over 1200m, then by 1,5 lengths at Fairview by Song Of Myself. Her latest effort is particularly encouraging, finishing just 0,3 lengths behind Oliver over 1000m. Oliver franked that form by becoming an unlucky loser last week.
Pink Pigeon also finished ahead of All About Al, Flying Finley, Magical Place and Un Bel Di despite those rivals being better off at the weights. Keagan de Melo takes the ride, a significant boost for Justin Snaith.
Dreamworld is the main danger. Highly regarded as a two-year-old before injury interrupted his progress, he returned after eight months off and later finished third, less than a length behind Sugar Mountain. He should improve with racing and is respected. Nine-year-old All About Al, the last racing progeny of Captain Al, remains remarkably consistent, while Magical Place could finally get the luck he deserves.
Made In Chelsea looks well placed to exit the maidens in race 1 over 1000m despite carrying 60,5kg. Returning to a sprint is a positive, and Sean Veale rides for Candice Bass.
Final Say drops sharply in class for race 2 over 1600m after contesting the Listed Iridescence Stakes. Richard Fourie rides for Snaith, with stablemate Remuneration the main danger.
Catch Me stands out as the best bet in race 3 over 1600m. He has improved with every run and was narrowly beaten by Warrior Of Destiny over this course and distance last time. Further improvement is expected, with JP van der Merwe aboard.
Baton Rouge can complete a hat-trick in race 4 over 2000m. His latest win, by two lengths over Balzi Rossi, was particularly impressive.
Race 5 over 1400m is open, with Cedar Point preferred over Ferryman, Loving Prague and United Front. Cedar Point had no luck from a wide draw last time and remains capable of further improvement.
Ruby Rex gets the vote in race 6 over 1250m. Lightly raced and facing nothing exciting, she can score for Adam Marcus and Kabelo Matsunyane.
Gold Dust looks the one to beat in race 7 over 1250m. He has improved since joining Michelle Rix and, from gate No 1 with Sifiso Bungane claiming 2,5kg, has an ideal setup.
