Over the past couple of weeks, the weather has not played ball as far as racing has been concerned but hopefully racing does get underway at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Although more rain is predicted for midweek, things do appear to be drying up before the weekend but the going will be on the softer side of good.
The Michael Roberts raceday has moved a week after the meeting was abandoned last Sunday with the field for the Michael Roberts Stakes remaining the same. The raceday honours of one of the country’s finest jockeys who rode his first winner, Smyrna, on this course in 1969. Roberts went on to win 11 South African Championships and one English Championship where he was up against the likes of Pat Eddery, Steve Cauthen and Lester Piggott, all legends in their time.
After suffering defeat behind Formagear when favourite for the Christmas Handicap, trainer Andre Nel cut his losses and scratched Cape Eagle from the WSB Cape Town Met. However, the gelding can redeem himself in the Michael Roberts Stakes.
Cape Eagle was run out of it late by Formagear but he is now 1kg better off in the handicap as the two meet again. Cape Eagle will appreciate the extra 150m and can turn the tables. Peter Muscutt saddles Formagear and the Zimbabwean star Down To Business as well as the mare Rockie Reef. Down To Business was three lengths adrift of his stable companion in the Christmas Handicap but that was his first run since July and he should be good enough to show a couple of lengths improvement which will make him competitive. He has not been out of the money in nine starts. Rockie Reef took a 10-point hit in the handicap for her win in the Flamboyant Stakes and will find things tough in this field. MJ Odendaal saddles Addabar who was a touch disappointing behind Formagear in the Christmas but he can make amends over this trip and is not without a winning chance.
It’s a nine-raced card and Nellie Melba can get the ball rolling in the first. Peter Muscutt’s filly has been in the money in all three starts and well supported in the market. She is back to a sprint and can make amends. The Queen Bee was also a beaten favourite on the poly last run but was making late headway on end-to-end winner Electra Green. She can do better back on turf. One Smart Cookie has been trying further but her best recent effort has been over this trip on the poly.
The second is a tricky handicap where Teatime Tipple has been costly to follow but may be worth one more chance in a competitive maiden where three of the runners finished on top of each other. Stuart Ferrie’s runner is back on turf which may be his preferred surface and he has run well in the soft. Trippi T ran a cracker in his local debut for Andre Nel, just ahead of Teatime Tipple. This was his first run back from a lengthy break and could have more to come. Plinian split the pair and has been in the money in all five starts including a close-up second over course and distance and should make his presence felt again.
In the opening leg of the PA Madame Pompadour has been a beaten favourite at her last four outings but is way better than her last effort. Her best recent showing has been over this course and distance but she has disappointed too often to back with any confidence. Questo E Quello is lightly raced and has her second run after a break. She improved in blinkers last outing and should have more to come although jumping from a deep draw. Valli Gal has shown recent improvement in blinkers and the Doug Campbell yard is in form at present while True Love’s Kisses has had a short break but is lightly raced. She has the best of the draw and improved nicely at long odds at her last start.
The Pick 6 opener is a difficult maiden but Electric Storm has improved in blinkers and was a close-up second last time out. Dennis Bosch has booked Rachel Venniker with her 1.5kg allowance so the gelding looks primed for a good effort. Madison Valley is lightly raced and although a well-beaten third last time out at only his second start, Frank Robinson’s yard has come to hand. Mayor Of Merrivale is struggling to shed his maiden but he has improved of late and the step up in trip could bring out the best. King’s Island was a promising second last run but that was in a maiden handicap where he only had 52kg to shoulder.
In the fifth, Faizah has run two good races in blinkers and in the soft. Her form has worked out well and with a handy galloping weight she should be right there for Gareth van Zyl. Ice Sensation returns from a break but has been up against stronger at recent starts and not far back. Her best recent effort has been over course and distance. Sea Goddess comes from the very much in form Louis Goosen stable and the filly has won over course and distance. Her best recent form has been on the turf. Flight Maneuver was a comfortable maiden winner on this course last time out. The step up in trip and light-weight Mathew Thackery takes over from Tristan Godden.
Nelson Bay looks fairly well in the weights for the Pinnacle Stakes and his last win was over course and distance. With only 52.5kg to shoulder Muzi Yeni should get the best out of him. Gladatorian is the highest rated runner in the race by far but does have the steadier of 62kg on his back. Stuart Ferrie’s gelding has been in good form over shorter but he may now be looking for the extra distance. The same can be said for Good Traveller who is at his best on this course. He has a favourable draw and may now be looking for the extra furlong. Passage Of Power has been consistent and Serino Moodley has preferred this ride over Diani who has also been in good form with the blinkers back on.
Lashlaroo is a recent maiden winner when racing in first-time blinkers and could arrive at a good price. The win was a little more comfortable than the margin would suggest and he could make the step up in this handicap although his only turf outing does raise some concerns. War Empress took the step up in class in her stride for back-to-back wins. She is down in class and back on turf but is obviously fit and stable rider stays with her with Goosen having three runners in the race. Michael Roberts is also well represented with Rachel Venniker aboard course specialist Philispiel although stable companion Bless Me Fred is quick and only has 51kg to shoulder courtesy of apprentice Brevan Plaatjies’ 4kg claim.
The last is a tricky handicap with many returning from breaks but Celtic Beauty was an impressive winner from a wide draw at only her second outing. She looks to be progressive and can follow up. Tara’s Star has won two of her four starts and improved in blinkers last run. She shed her maiden over course and distance. Contra Fiscum has her first run for Kom Naidoo after being bought out of the Duncan Howells yard where she was due to run last Wednesday. Contra Fiscum gives apprentice Nihans Baboo his first ride and if the going comes up good, Baboo could make a winning debut.
