With the Hollywoodbets Durban July behind us, attention turns to Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting, headed by the Tote For The Win B Stakes over 2000m.

The feature could be a good opportunity for Salani Kahle. Gareth van Zyl held the gelding in high regard, testing him in the Grade 2 SA Derby against Curious Girl, who went on to contest the Durban July. Despite carrying top weight, Salani Kahle faces much easier opposition and has the class to prove hard to beat. Uzwano has been in good form over shorter distances and should appreciate the step up to 2000m, while Hodgepodge stays well and carries a handy weight. Queue Wing also deserves consideration despite rising in class and distance.

Mike and Mathew de Kock can strike early with Putthelightsout in Race 1. The filly was a beaten favourite on the polytrack last time but returns to turf against modest opposition and should go close.

The opening leg of the Bi-Pot looks competitive, with Christmas Rose the pick after finishing a close second and showing steady improvement. Stablemate Blenheim Palace continues to improve and should enjoy this trip, while America First can do better after taking on older runners last time.

The first Place Accumulator leg features several well-bred newcomers, making the betting market important. Lennox showed promise despite traffic problems last start and rates the one to beat. Tiger Cody has improved since blinkers were fitted and drops back in trip, while first-timers Hot Blooded and Bullet Catch warrant market respect.

Charlie Bucket can give punters a strong Pick 6 banker. The Paddy Kruyer-trained gelding has consistent Cape form over this course and distance and can make amends after two narrow defeats. Redoubt Express impressed on debut and should have no trouble switching to turf, while Deonarie steps up in trip from a favourable draw.

Doug Campbell’s Peeping Tom has been knocking on the door and looks one of the day’s better bets over a suitable trip. Bourbon’s Beast is consistent without finishing strongly, while Augrabies drops into modest company.

Ricky Maingard’s stable has been flying during Champions Season, and Tunguska brings strong Cape form to KwaZulu-Natal. Blizzard Boy has adapted well since arriving in KZN, while Red Cardinal drops in class and could feature if he stays the distance.

The final two races are competitive. Red Coral, Let It Roll, Dancing On A Cloud and Radu all have claims in Race 8. In the last, Preacher Man drops in class with first-time blinkers, while Diamond Maker, Yannakis and Princess Goldie complete the shortlist.

Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run as a true handicap, a major change from previous years that has prompted several of the country’s highest-rated horses, including defending champion The Real Prince, to skip the R10 million feature. Even so, the 18-runner field remains highly competitive, with the handicap conditions theoretically giving every runner an equal chance.

Ante-post favourite Star Major heads the market as James Crawford looks to emulate his father Brett, who won the race two years ago with Oriental Charm. The three-year-old has built a successful partnership with French jockey Mickaëlle Michel, winning both the Grade 1 KZN Guineas and Grade 1 Daily News 2000. On each occasion, Star Major stormed home from near the rear after Michel angled him wide into the straight. Similar tactics are expected, although she will need to navigate past 17 rivals this time.

Mocha Blend is another leading contender. Frank Robertson’s mare announced herself with a surprise Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup victory before her rating was carefully protected with two preparatory runs over inadequate distances. She finished strongly in both and now steps up to 2200m carrying a handy 56.5kg, well below topweight Legal Counsel on 62kg. Having already proven herself over 2000m at Turffontein, she looks well placed under the in-form Tristan Godden.

Trainer Gareth van Zyl has targeted the race with proven stayer King Pelles, winner of last year’s Grade 3 Gold Vase over 3000m. His preparation has mirrored Mocha Blend’s, using shorter races to sharpen his speed. Strong late efforts behind Okavango and Zeitz suggest he is peaking at the right time, while his proven stamina gives him an edge over some rivals stepping into unknown territory.

Justin Snaith saddles five runners, headed by four-time consecutive winner Wish List. Veteran jockey Andrew Fortune, enjoying a remarkable comeback, has long identified the filly as his July mount. After winning the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes and Cape Derby, she extended her winning streak with a determined Grade 2 Woolavington victory, edging out Minogue in the closing strides. Although Minogue meets her 1kg better at the weights, Snaith’s ability to peak horses for the big occasion makes Wish List a major player.

The supporting Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes is equally competitive. Defending champion Double Grand Slam faces a difficult draw but comes off a strong effort in the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint over an inadequate trip. Mon Petit Cherie was narrowly beaten by Quickstepgal in the Grade 3 Tibouchina Stakes after racing wide and should appreciate the extra furlong from a better draw. Keukenhof, twice placed behind Wish List, also has solid claims in a high-quality field.

The Vaal hosts an intriguing eight-race programme on Thursday, with several progressive horses looking set to continue their rise, while trainer Sean Tarry and jockeys Keagan de Melo and Mickaëlle Michel hold strong chances of doubles.

Race 1 could offer value with Corsaro Super in the 1000m juvenile contest. The Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained son of Erupt has yet to show his true ability, but there were excuses for both previous starts. Significantly, De Melo keeps the ride after a 13-week break, suggesting confidence the colt can improve sharply in an open race.

The in-form Stuart Pettigrew stable looks well represented in Race 2 with Midnight Special. The Fire Away filly made an encouraging debut when runner-up and is expected to improve with the experience. Craig Zackey retains the ride, and she rates one of the stronger bets on the card.

Bristol Hercules is the standout in Race 4 over 1600m as he bids to complete a hat-trick. The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained gelding has returned from a break in excellent form, winning consecutive 1400m races at the Vaal, including his latest under a penalty against stronger opposition. Although carrying 62kg after another ratings increase, he drops in class and the step up to 1600m should suit. By Lancaster Bomber, he has been finishing strongly and looks capable of extending his winning streak under Callan Murray.

Another Lancaster Bomber runner to follow is Warning Sound in Race 6. The Sean Tarry-trained filly produced a career-best performance when winning over 1450m at Turffontein’s Inside track off a career-high rating. A four-point penalty makes life tougher, but she remains lightly raced and still has scope for improvement. French rider Mickaëlle Michel keeps the partnership, and her 1.5kg allowance could prove valuable.

Tarry’s strongest chance may come in Race 7 with Greenandgold. The R2.6-million National Yearling Sale purchase has steadily improved with each run and relished the step up to 1400m when making all to win her maiden in convincing fashion. The 73-day break should have helped her strengthen, while an opening handicap mark of 75 appears fair for a filly with her pedigree and potential. If she progresses again, Greenandgold can complete a profitable stable double for Tarry and De Melo.