The Grade 2 WSB 1900 heads the meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Pacaya has always been highly regarded and is starting to come into his own, so this could be the race where he shows how good he is over a suitable trip from a good draw. Winchester Mansions is said to have improved since gelding and looks well weighted on some formlines so can go close. Aragosta, Rascallion and Litigation could also be in the shake up.
In the Listed East Coast Cup over 2000m Dawnofanewday has always caught the eye as a progressive sort and she can make it a fifth career win from a good draw. Time Flies is also on the up and can go close with second-time cheekpieces on from pole position. Virginia Sweet has talent but has a wide draw.
In the first race over 1200m First-timer Porto Zante is by Captain Of All and is a half-sister to War Room, who won three out of three, and she is well drawn and does not look to have a lot to beat. Stablemate Dualo Agent is also well bred being by Twice Over and a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Rascallion. Mauritania made a fair debut and is the best of those to have raced, but has a tough draw
In the second over 1200m Bedtime Story made a fair debut and the form has been franked. The first-timer Turbo Boost by Potala Palace out of a mare who has produced a six-time winner must be respected.
In the third over 1900m Indian Ocean made a good debut at Turffontein over 1600m and being by The United States and a half-sister to Grade 1 SA Derby winner Out Of Your League and to SA Derby runner up Zeus she will relish the step up in trip.
In the fourth race over 1600m Do It Again is top class and even as an eight-year-old might prove too strong as he usually thrives in Durban. Captain Fontane has the class to be right there. Union Square also does but does return from a setback.
In the fifth race over 1800m Jam Jam should relish the step up in trip on pedigree and can follow up on his win first time out in Durban. Manic Monday and Lillybelle look to be the dangers.
In the eighth race over 1200m Strawberry Bear is on the up and from a good draw can make it four on the trot. Coin Spinner is talented and has his third run after a layoff.
In the ninth over 1400m Kingdom Of Heaven has run one or two fair races in Cape Town against top class opposition and this will be a far easier task. Addabar impressed in his maiden win and is in with a chance of following up.
In the last race over 1400m Keagan de Melo could score with the Highveld raider Just Be Nice, who won twice recently over 1450m and 1500m respectively and looks up to a 76 merit rating up against KZN horses, who tend to be weaker than Highveld horses. Oriental Bouquet is only a two-year-old so won’t have it easy off a 90 merit rating but she surprised on debut when producing a late rattle and should relish the step up in trip.
David Thiselton
