It has been a while since jockey Anton Marcus has had a red-letter day, let alone a double on a day as the former champion is known for big days in KwaZulu-Natal. But things could turn on Monday at Scottsville. And while he does have some decent rides earlier it is his rides in Races 6, 7 and 8 that look to be his strongest.
Best of the three is After The Rain who was the almost-white striking runner leading the way in one of South Africa’s best races, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, before tiring out of it. His is unbeaten in three races at Scottsville over 1200m and he could maintain that record. Not weighted to win the headliner 1200m Marula Sprint on current ratings, but now back over speed distances, he could keep upping his game and beat that rating.
Pearl Of Asia is best weighted and has also won three at this venue but may just need it after a rest.
Ancient Epic’s last races entitles her to being the form choice for Marcus in Race 6 – a MR 73 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m. While there are useful sorts in the race, she looks the best of them as she has yet to run out of the money and more importantly, backed up her maiden win with a second place in better company last time out. That formline has produced two recent winners in Princess Donnelly and Purple Merchant, who finished behind her.
Race 8 – a 1600m Maiden Plate – looks a two-horse affair between Marcus-ridden Napoleon and Cyber Time with Muzi Yeni up. Napoleon was a bit costly to follow when a beaten favourite last time – he may not have enjoyed the slow track and slow-run race. But Marcus sticks with him in trying the distance at Scottsville and he could be given more of a chance in terms of pace and in any case may much prefer the track. Cyber Time is improving with each start but only the race will show if he truly enjoys the step up in distance.
Preview by Clive Robinson
