Justin Snaith saddles his first runner of the KZN season with Triple Time in the third at Hollywoodbets Scottsville next Wednesday. He has been close-up at his last two at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and has smart form over further. He may find this a touch on the sharp side and the filly Sign Of Fate could be the right one in this Conditional Progress Plate.
Robbie Hill’s filly came up against a brick wall in the unbeaten Gimme A Nother in the Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas but even so ran well below her best form. That run is best ignored and with a handy weight she looks classy enough to give the boys a run for their money.
Frank Robinson has earmarked the Gr1 SA Derby for his two runners, Shoot The Rapids and Madison Valley. Both are progressive with Shoot The Rapids having won two of his four starts. He has a handy weight and this should be the ideal warm-up. The same goes for Madison Valley who took on a useful field last start and a light weight will help his chances.
In the first it will be interesting to see how the form behind Connoisseur works out with many of the runners involved in that race. The race was run at a good pace and Global Movement stayed on best of all for second. Ibiza Night and Torix Night were well beaten in the minor placings. Chilli Chacha steps up in trip and may be worth following. This is a weak field and anything can happen.
The first leg of the PA is a wide open handicap. Roy’s Rocker steps out for the 41st time but her last win was over course and distance and her recent form on the poly has been encouraging. Drive By has the best of the draw and is way better than her last run. This trip will suit. Nonoti is never far behind and steps up in trip while True Love Kiss has a wide draw but has improved with every run culminating in her recent maiden win. She has only had four starts. Columbia Road has not been far back at recent starts and should feature prominently in this company.
Kind Judy has been a soldier for Barend Botes as she tries for her eight win in the fourth. She may just have needed her first local outing and can improve. Lillybelle took on stronger last run but she does appear to be better on the turf. Andre Nel’s mare is down in class and must rate a strong chance. Escapologist is never far back and is way better than her last effort.
It will be tough going to the end. Release Me has been trying further for Paul Lafferty but never far back. The drop in trip could suit. Master Josh is always game and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last start. He has a big weight but has a 1.5kg claiming apprentice up. Wiccan Warrior has been disappointing of late but back on home ground and a drop in the handicap could see him back to his best. Parmenion found good market support when winning last time out and is clearly in a good space.
The sixth is another wide open handicap but Scampton showed good pace before weakening late last run over further. He drops to what may be a more suitable trip. Mr Molony has been holding form and goes well this course and distance and must have a strong chance while veteran Quick Star seldom puts in a bad days work. He is due another win.
The seventh is another competitive fillies handicap where Sky Café has been battling for her second win but her best recent form has been over this trip and she should be right there. French Princess needed her last run from a tough draw and has a lot in her favour this time around. Rugger Lover made sudden improvement second time out for her new stable. That was on the poly and if she can convert on the turf, she must have a good chance. Flying The Star is over her best course and distance Her consistency was rewarded last run and she can follow up in this company.
Buster Keaton can round off what could be a difficult day at the office. He has his second run after a break where he showed up well in a competitive handicap. He should have benefitted from that run. Veteran Purple Powahouse has run up a string of placings on the poly. The switch to turf should not bother him in this company. Happy Wanderer is always dangerous while Northern Warrior is over his best course and distance.
