Plotting a way into the Hollywoodbets Durban July can be a tricky road. For some the challenge is to make it into the field, for others it’s a case of ticking over without incurring any unwanted penalties that would affect their weight.
The Pinnacle Stakes that heads-up the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday has both elements and one that will keep punters guessing. Some of the big guns warm up for a crack at the South Africa’s ‘big one’ but with little to lose except the winner’s cheque is Glen Kotzen’s runner Grinkov.
He has no July aspirations and was a close-up third to smart miler Royal Aussie over the Kenilworth 1400m last time out. If he can reproduce that form, he could be the horse to beat. Justin Snaith has six runners included in the preliminary Hollywoodbets July log. Itsrainingwilliam is not one of them! The gelding has won his last two and comes into this race off some cracking Cape form so looks to be the most likely danger to the selection.
Locally, The Shepherd is progressive and although he jumps in class, he only has 52kg to shoulder and with many of his rivals ‘practicing’ he could be the surprise package. Mike de Kock’s runner Shoemaker is a July entry but this trip could be more up his alley ahead of head-strong stable companion Dave The King and Summer Cup and Champions Cup winner Royal Victory who has the class but this should be far too short to show his best. That said, top horses are capable whatever the trip.
The first two races are difficult with many first timers in the line-ups and the betting should be your best guide. The first stable comments are mostly non-comital but that said, Mark Dixon gave a positive comment on Master Du Rouvray who could prove best of the debutantes. Those that have raced, Commanding comes off some smart feature race form in Cape Town including a close-up fourth to Little Ballerina. That form has been exceptional. Barring a springer, he looks the ‘right’ one for Glen Kotzen. My Boy Lollipop disappointed when an odds-on favourite on the poly at his second outing. He made a smart debut over course and distance and experience could count for Frank Robinson’s gelding. Paul Lafferty’s runner Dapper has put in two smart efforts over course and distance and must have a decent chance.
Kotzen looks primed for a lucrative afternoon as he has given positive comments about Laugh Till You Cry in the second. ‘Smart filly, will be in the shake-up,’ was his comment. Of those that have run, Hurricane Cat found some market support on debut and although well back, that was in the soft. Cape Capri disappointed in the soft after a promising debut and can do much better this time around.
Kotzen could possibly be in line for a treble as he sends out debutante Facile from a plum draw in the third. The comment, ‘nice filly, if not too green will be in the money’. But she faces a stiff test with Care Forgot running two close-up seconds since returning from a break after her debut and Tipperary who makes her way down from the Highveld for Paul Matchett.
The fourth is a trick handicap where Tony Rivalland’s charge Strathclyd makes most appeal. He was in need of the run behind stable companion King Of The Gauls when back on home soil after showing promise before making a trip to the Cape. With a run under his girth and an extra two furlongs to travel he can make the required improvement. El Rey Viene has been knocking at the door for some time now but Duncan Howells has dropped his charge down another furlong which could see him home. Licence To Thrill has been close-up at his last three. He should have strengthened up since he last tackled this trip and should be a big runner. Phutulicious has won twice over course and distance and is still improving so is a must inclusion in all exotic bets
The fifth is a difficult handicap. Shipholia appears to be something of a poly specialist, her last three wins coming on the synthetic surface. However, Gareth van Zyl has booked Richard Fourie for the ride and she should be a lively contender. Stormy Choice has had three starts for Tienie Prinsloo and is way better than her last tun over a mile. Back to a sprint with blinkers can see her surprise. Shanta’s Pride has her third run after a break. She is never far back and with a light weight Peter Muscutt’s charge should be in the firing line. Reefway got absolutely hammered in the ratings after her distant third in the Poinsettia Stakes, going up 14 points. Kom Naidoo has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies but that may not be enough to see her home.
Dean Kannemeyer sends out the progressive Teflon Man in the sixth. He started a warm favourite in a Pinnacle Stakes over course and distance last time out but takes on lessor company here and the colt may just have needed the outing. Donquerari stormed home last outing for Louis Goosen and is never far off them. 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies keeps the ride and a repeat showing could have the same result. Beechamwood Boy has been racing in the soft at his last three. This is his best course and distance and given firmer ground he could notch his eighth win.
In the last, Trustova goes this trip for the first time and was a close-up second to the useful Wiccan Warrior last run in a stronger field. If he stays the trip he should be right there. Pongola has been consistent over shorter and did well from a wide draw last time out. This extended trip may now be what he is looking for. Querari’s Dream is lightly raced and showed up well first run out of the maidens when going this trip for the first time and is a big runner.
