Punters are in for a tricky day at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, with many open contests and betting moves likely to provide clues.

Race 1 sees Duncan Howells’ Perfume Power looking for overdue luck after a narrow defeat last time. Glen Kotzen holds a strong hand with Flying South and Third Winter, both showing improvement. Keep an eye on debutants Princess Of Gaul and Light Of Gabriel from the Kannemeyer yard.

Chapbook stands out in Race 2 with Richard Fourie up, while Boardwalk Breeze and Grand Force could be competitive.

Soho Star, narrowly beaten recently, looks the one to beat in Race 3, with weight swings in his favour over Vihaan’s Pride. Blinkered Cold Shine and stablemate Mojo Man are also worth watching.

Race 4 sees Abaddon dropping in class, with Mar Del Plata and Gorgeous Guy likely threats.

In Race 5, Mike Miller’s Soldier Boy gets weight relief and could follow up his surprise debut win. Beach Palace and Lake Como also warrant inclusion.

Race 6 is a tough fillies’ handicap, with Captain’s Pride leading the charge. Copacabana, Nellie Melba, and My Tue Love are in the mix.

One Smart Cookie chases four wins in a row in Race 7, facing Sonic Jet, Ice Rain, and others.

Skytrix could bounce back in Race 8, with Rani Tarabi and Rugger Lover also showing promise.

Finally, Race 9 might belong to Terminator, long overdue after several runner-up finishes. With a top draw and consistent form, he looks the day’s best bet. White Seahorse, El Rey Viene, and French Flame are also contenders.

The National Jockeys’ Championship remains a thrilling contest with just five weeks left in the 2024/25 season. Richard Fourie still leads on 236 wins, but Gavin Lerena closed the gap to just two after scoring a double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday, 24 June. Craig Zackey remains in the mix on 228 winners.

Lerena’s form has surged in recent weeks, and punters may want to follow him closely at the nine-race Turffontein Standside meeting on Saturday, 28 June. He has eight rides on the day, including several strong chances.

In Race 1, Lerena partners the Roy Magner-trained Stone Of Scone, a Master Of My Fate filly who improved markedly in her second start when finishing second against colts. A repeat of that effort should see her break her maiden.

Race 2 sees Lerena aboard debutant Jabari Thimba, a Pathfork colt trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren. Closely related to Grade 1 performer Garrix, market support for this well-bred newcomer should be respected.

In Race 4, Lerena rides Season’s Greetings for Clinton Binda. The filly was a close third over this course and distance last time, and the form has already been franked by the runner-up Mamlambo’s subsequent win.

Finally, in Race 8, consistent mare Princess Ilaria returns to the Highveld. Trained by Fanie Bronkhorst, she has finished second in her last two starts, most recently under Lerena at Scottsville. From draw 1 and in slightly easier company, she looks well placed to score.

Lerena’s current momentum makes him one to watch as the title race heats up heading into the final month.

Raiding from the Western Cape is no easy task, with strict African Horse Sickness regulations and tough roads, but Lucinda Woodruff’s small string is making it count. On Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Greyville, her charge Wing Walker looks hard to beat in Race 1, despite a wide draw. He boasts the strongest form, while Higher Love could pose a threat from a favourable gate. Intro, with first-time blinkers, debuts for Kom Naidoo.

In Race 2, the Wrights’ Gorgeous Bomber has been consistent and runs in blinkers for the first time. Fantasy League, just behind her last time, is closely matched and enjoys a slight weight advantage. Gareth van Zyl sends out Di Rosa, who looks the pick of his pair.

Race 3 is wide open. Purple Flower debuts for Gary Rich and has strong poly credentials. Quentasia, despite a below-par last effort, is a threat on her previous win, and Blush Of Dawn and Drive By both hold winning chances.

In the Pick 6 opener, Garth Puller sends out Fine Wine with Richard Fourie aboard. She’s lightly raced but promising. Stablemate Canyoudothehula and Line In The Sky also merit consideration.

Race 5 sees Glen Kotzen’s Spectacular, a Cape maiden, take on locals with a useful 4kg claim. Galaxy Explorer and Shiny Bob are in form, while Count Marsh has strong poly form despite a wide draw.

Kotzen’s Master Bomber and Kannemeyer’s Gurkha are top picks in Race 6, both progressive and suited to the poly. My Boy Lollipop and Papa C could surprise.

Prince Florian seeks a follow-up win in Race 7, while Victor Hugo and Rooster Bradshaw are strong closers in the last race, though Voldemort could spoil the party over his favourite track and trip.

Please Be True has been plagued by traffic issues in his recent runs, making him one of Cape Town’s most unlucky horses. Despite a competitive field, he’s tipped to finally break through in Race 7 over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday. Last time out, he was blocked and finished 2.5 lengths behind Air Raid. He reopposes Dawn Till Dusk, who beat him then, but that margin flattered the winner given Please Be True’s interference.

His previous hard-luck run came on Cape Town Met day when a blocked run cost him dearly. However, he bounced back with a commanding win over Boogiefied and is holding his own in this class. Importantly, top jockey Gavin Lerena, a title contender, takes the ride — a strong vote of confidence.

Other key contenders include Prometterre, a Winter Mile fourth, who might find the drop in trip a challenge, and Dawn Till Dusk, who just missed out last time and seems to be improving.

Elsewhere on the card, Viva La Vida (Race 1) is expected to improve off a solid debut. Du Maurier (Race 2) should appreciate the extra furlong. In Race 5, the well-regarded Better Man, now gelded, is the standout despite a tough draw. Pinot Grigio is reliable in Race 3, while Signor Dante is a hopeful in Race 4.

Express Yourself could be a value bet in Race 6, having competed against stronger. Royal Lytham (Race 8) has consistency on her side, but stamina remains a query. In Race 9, One Liner — small but gutsy — is fitter now after a comeback run and should be competitive.