Hollywoodbets Durbanville is packed with quality racing this Saturday, highlighted by the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes, Grade 3 Diana Stakes and Listed Settlers Trophy.
The Matchem Stakes over 1400m brings together two exciting performers from last season. Jet Force progressed impressively, winning the Grade 2 Post Merchants before finishing second to the country’s highest-rated horse, Buffalo Storm Cody, in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint. Grant van Niekerk takes the ride for trainer Des McLachlan.
Legal Counsel was desperately unlucky not to land a Grade 1 last season. He finished a close second to See It Again in the Cape Town Met before going even closer when Questioning narrowly denied him in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. Gavin Lerena was originally booked but fractured his foot on Tuesday, so a replacement rider will be confirmed. Over 1400m at Durbanville, Jet Force could have the advantage, but Legal Counsel is unlikely to surrender easily.
Sugar Mountain was expected to retire after his previous start, but his impressive victory has earned him another chance at graded success. Candice Bass has guided him to 12 wins, with Aldo Domeyer aboard.
The Diana Stakes, also over 1400m, features Equus Champion Double Grand Slam. She has won twice in four starts at Durbanville and should benefit from a recent gallop. Keukenhof is improving and could emerge as a serious contender after showing good form in KwaZulu-Natal. Craig Zackey rides for Dean Kannemeyer.
The Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m could reveal some useful future contenders. Justin Snaith saddles Miami Summer and Prairie Dawn, with Miami Summer particularly interesting after winning two of his three starts since returning from a break.
Several races earlier on the card also feature promising runners. Sukhoi should improve on his debut fourth behind Ulez Camera and could prove difficult to beat in his next outing. Bart Nel was unlucky last time after encountering traffic and now steps up to 1400m, which could suit him perfectly.
In Race 3, First Bloom showed plenty of promise when finishing second on debut. Much interest will surround R3.25-million yearling Getorix Princess, a daughter of champion sire Vercingetorix and Grade 1 winner Zarina, who makes her debut for Dean Kannemeyer.
Lyrical Gangster arrives in strong form after two consecutive victories and faces his toughest test yet over 1250m. A win could put him on the path towards feature-race company.
In Race 8, highly regarded filly Over My Shoulder faces a tricky draw from gate 10 but could strengthen her credentials for bigger races later in the season.
Axis Power rounds off the preview in Race 9. He faded late last time but receives a 1kg pull in the weights and should be competitive if producing his best.
