The year comes to an end at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on new year’s eve and there could be some end-of-year cheer for punters.
MJ Odendaal sends out Tobacconist in the sixth who was running on strongly from a tough draw last run. Odendaal is a master at setting up his runners and Tobacconist looks primed for this. Peter Muscutt saddles likely favourite Khanyisa Indlela who has finished runner-up in his last three starts. He is down in class and should go close to finally cracking his third win. Manic Monday tried to make all last start but was run out of it late. Paul Lafferty has set her up against males but she is down in class and has consistent form on this course.
The sixth is a tricky handicap where the advice for exotic bet punters is ‘load up’.
However, Wayne Badenhorst saddles Captain Wara who has yet to run a bad race. He has his third run for his new stable and goes well this trip. Garth Puller saddles the nine-year-old Ishnana who is back over his favourite course and distance. He takes a four-point drop in the handicap and if finding his best form, he will have a strong chance. Muscutt is two handed with Kupholiwe and Blackwhitedynamite. Richard Fourie has stayed with Kupholiwe and he could prove the pick of the pair. Deryl Daniels had to play second fiddle to Super Fast last time out when riding Cotton Ron. He now switches to Tony Rivalland’s charge and he will be keen to make it count.
One of the better bets could be Gareth van Zyl’s filly Nighingales Sing who has shown up well in both starts and looks the part in what stacks up into a weak field. However, she goes this trip for the first time which may be of concern. Mike Miller sends out Style Icon who is proven over the trip and looks the biggest threat to the selection after a promising second last time out. Pixie In Love’s form has tailed off a little at her last two. She was a well beaten third which first time blinkers last start but the winner won by a street and Paul Gadsby’s filly in not out of it on her best form.
Miller can round off the year with Palm Breeze in the last although it is another tricky handicap.
Palm Breeze seldom runs a bad race and has been close-up at her last two over course and distance which gives her strong claims. Kitten’s Adventure had her last win over course and distance. She has been consistent since when trying a furlong further and could prove best this shorter trip. Can’t Catch Me has been consistent over further with cheek pieces. She now gets blinkers which could make the difference.
