A competitive eight-race programme awaits punters at Hollywoodbets Scottsville this Sunday, the 7th of January 2024.
Send Me from the Tony Rivalland yard looks set to go well for jockey Mathew Thackery in Race 1. He was carded to run on 31 December 2023, but due to the change of venue, he was scratched. The debut run was encouraging, and with natural improvement to come, he will be a massive contender in the finish.
Fire Tonic from the Stuart Ferrie yard can get closer and fill in the placings. A huge plus is the fact that Rachel Venniker is aboard, and she is currently in great form. Stable companion Run To Rio has performed well at this track before and should be respected.
Wyatt’s Choice gets the nod in the second race for trainer Andre Nel with Serino Moodley aboard. He is making good progress with every start and looks ready to just about win.
Future Flo for trainer Michael Roberts has been holding consistent form, and another bold showing can be expected; he could give the first selection plenty of cheek. The Paul Lafferty-trained Player X is always there in the mix and should make the frame with Jabu Jacobs aboard.
Race 3 could see trainer Andre Nel and jockey Serino Moodley scoring a quick double. If things go to plan, he saddles Querari’s Dream, who was narrowly beaten in his last start over 1400m. He quickened really well into the closing stages only to be swooped by Attaboy, who came with a storming run on the extreme outside at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He would have tightened up from that run and looks like a solid betting prospect here.
M J Odendaal sends out El Dante in Race 4; he has been holding solid form and rates a strong winning chance. He gets the in-form Rachel Venniker aboard, claiming the 1.5kgs, and that could make all the difference.
Cyber Time from the Louis Goosen yard could be the main danger to the first selection, and his recent form has been outstanding. He does have a tricky draw to contend with but must go into all calculations. Flag Man was an impressive maiden winner and has scope to go well here for trainer Gareth Van Zyl and Jockey Athandiwe Mgudlwa. He should be included in the Pick 6.
Riccardo takes his place in the Fifth Race for trainer Dennis Bosch. He has the best draw and is currently in decent form; he tends to run well here and looks to have a big winning chance in a competitive line-up. Papa C is holding solid form; however, he does return after a break; despite the fact that he could need the outing, he gets Kobeli Lihaba aboard, who is riding exceptionally well and could run a decent race, so respect his chances.
Race 6 looks extremely open where a case can be made for many runners; having said that, the focus is on the Michael Roberts-trained Shona Kirsty Yves, who ran an absolute cracker in her last start when eating up the ground late. She has a reasonably good draw and could go one better this time around.
Shot Of Courage gets Serino Moodley aboard for trainer Timothy Pretorius. He has been running extremely well, and another career victory could be just around the corner; he shows plenty of speed and should find himself in front from the jump and could go all the way.
Chelsea Flower was extremely gutsy in her last start when holding on narrowly for victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Her form prior to that was very good, and she can follow up for trainer Carl Hewitson and recent regular pilot Athandiwe Mgudlwa.
Overall, it’s a very competitive card, and the Pick 6 could be the way to go.
Devonne Govender
