Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 11 November with an 8-race programme headed by an MR98 Handicap over 1000m.
The first race, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m, is due off at 12:45 and with very little form to work on, Bipot punters are faced with a challenging opening leg. With no fewer than 12 first timers lining up, the betting will be the ultimate guide. (6) Mascherina, (10) Tomyris and (15) Emerald Green are of particular interest amongst the newcomers and market support for any of these three well-bred fillies must be respected. (8) Grecian Palace has shown some glimmer of ability and may be the pick of the raced runners.
The second race on the programme is a Conditional Progress over 1200m and four runners immediately catch the eye. (1) Mr Henley returned to form last time and rates a threat with just 51kgs on his back. (2) Captain’s Christy was touched off in the Debutante Stakes (Gr 2) back in July and has not been seen since. She too has a very light weight and should go well here if not in need of the run. (4) Time Fo Orchids has loads of ability and if she reproduces her Sceptre Stakes performance when fourth behind Princess Calla earlier this year, then she will be right there when the photographs are taken. (9) Sun Blushed never stayed 1900m last time but his last victory came over this track and trip when beating the talented Mrs Browning. He has 61kgs to shoulder but has always been very highly regarded by his trainer and he should make his presence felt despite the big weight.
The third race and opening leg of the Pick 6 is a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m and (8) Flight Maneuver and (9) Celtic Beauty seem to stand out head and shoulders above their ten rivals. Flight Maneuver was runner-up behind the useful Minogue in her second start over this trip back in September and the form of that race was franked again when Minogue came out to win at Greyville on Monday afternoon. On the strength of that form, Flight Maneuver will prove hard to beat. Celtic Beauty was a promising fourth in lesser company on her 1200m debut last month and the daughter of Vercingetorix has massive scope for significant improvement. The winner should come from one of these two fillies. (1) Elusive Belle from the in-form Goosen stable could be the pick of the balance.
The fourth race is a Maiden Plate over 1750m and the Dean Kannemeyer-trained (2) Fireflare ran a much improved race in his second start over a similar distance, suggesting his maiden victory cannot be too far off. The strength of that form is open to question but the son of Futura does have plenty of upside and the quality of this field is limited. (5) Global Ruler ran his best race over 1800m on the Poly last time and must have a chance here along with all of (6) Gijima Mfana, (7) Baasie Raakvat and (8) Hiawatha Goldberg. If Fireflare does not show the expected improvement, then this race is ripe for an upset result.
The fifth race is a Maiden Plate over 2400m, and the race has a wide-open appearance. (6) Only A Poet steps up to this trip in only his third start after finishing second behind Beach Palace over 1600m in September. If he gets the trip, he might just rate the one they all have to beat. (2) Imaginable is consistent and will have no problem in getting home over this distance. The booking of Muzi Yeni is significant. (3) Swift Nicks ran well when runner-up over 2200m last month and the improving son of Jackson is one for the short-list. (4) Billy of Tea and (5) Player X have shown enough to warrant a great deal of respect while (9) Lady Is A Champ could be the lurker in the pack. Her stable companion (1) The Green Gallant is a long-time struggling maiden, but he could pop up in a field of this nature.
Race 6 on the programme is a very competitive Fillies and Mares MR84 Handicap over 1000m in which most of the field have winning claims. In trying to narrow down the list of possible winners, watch out for the likes of (10) Ancient Epic who should be competitive despite having been allotted 64kgs by the handicapper. (3) Mia’s Athena fluffed her lines on the Poly last time, but she is much better than that and should go well here. (1) Convocation won her last two starts on the Highveld but has not been seen since April, but it is noteworthy that stable jockey Mgudlwa rides her in preference to Ancient Epic. (9) Isn’t She Bonny is well thought of by her connections but has been sidelined since winning her maiden over the course and distance by more than five lengths back in March. (2) War Empress, (4) Sabatini, (6) Hot Pearl and (8) Maquette cannot be written off in what looks to be the toughest race on the card.
(10) Captain Wara showed terrific promise as a 2yo last term and the son of Captain Of All makes his seasonal debut in the seventh race over 1000m. The market will probably be the best indicator but if anywhere near his best, Captain Wara will make a bold bid under 53kgs. (5) Renaissance Man can be quite a handful but there is no doubting his ability. His record over this course and distance includes a victory over Grade 1 winner Isivunguvungu and his last run on the Poly from the worst of the draw is best ignored. (2) Donquerari is holding form well and is very effective over this trip. He should go close to winning from an inside stall. (8) Barzalona has the ability to surprise in this league.
The race meeting closes out with a MR78 Handicap over 1950m, and it may pay to stick with (2) Cyber Time who was a runaway winner of his last start over 1600m. Apprentice Nastili retains the ride, and he is very good value for his 4kgs apprentice allowance. (4) Ninety Nine Heros won at the course back in September when beating Sugar Blast who flattered the form by winning his next two races. Ninety Nine Heros is lightly raced and can improve more. (5) Khanyisa Indlela went down narrowly over a similar trip last month and can go one better this time. (6) Ancient World is still finding his feet, but his form is good, and the son of Vercingetorix is a must for all exotic bet permutations. (8) Monarchy, (10) Fine Admiral and (13) Riccardo have outside chances of upsetting the applecart.
Graeme Hawkins
