Sean Tarry had a tremendous day at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Golden Horse Sprint afternoon, a day he has dominated in the past few years. Another Tarry favourite is KZN Breeders day that takes place at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Tarry is a staunch supporter of KwaZulu-Natal studs with all nine races restricted to runners from the province.
All the races barring the KwaZulu-Natal Breeders Mile are restricted to the poly track and it will be interesting to see if the diminutive Mrs Geriatrix can build on her two-year-old form that saw her voted Equus Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of her season.
In her final start last season, she won the Gr1 eThekwini Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance but it was distressing to see her led back to the paddock seemingly in some discomfort. However, although it has been some time since her last win, she has not been disgraced when taking on the cream of this season’s crop of sophomore fillies.
Given Tarry’s record on this day and the way the weights are structured Mrs Geriatrix could prove a cut in class and ability in this field.
Vaal-based trainer Lucky Houdalakis is two-handed with Laguna Verde and judging by the jockey engagements Laguna Verde could be the stable elect with Craig Zackey aboard having being the regular rider of both. Lucky Houdalakis sends out two runners and judging on the jockey engagements. Laguna Verde made sudden improvement last run and may have come to hand. Stable companion Lady Fallon ran on well behind the smart filly Francis Ethel last time out. She makes her poly debut but has been improving steadily. Prince Of Taranto has been improving with every run and looks to have been primed for this race by Tony Rivalland.
Tarry can get his ball rolling in the card opener with Dantonfromsandton who has won twice and been close-up in Highveld features. He gives weight and makes his poly debut but comes from the Tarry yard who seldom have a bad afternoon on this day. Wild At War was only five lengths back in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and was a comfortable maiden winner prior to that and could pose the biggest threat.
In the second, Daring Dash has improved with each outing. He makes his poly debut for Weiho Marwing but has the best of the draw over a suitable trip. Teriyaki is seldom fa back and has some fair form in useful maidens. The cheek pieces replace the blinkers but he should feature strongly. Barry Du Grond was a touch disappointing at his second start. Both runs have been in the soft and the switch to the poly could see major improvement. Always Shining is way better than his last run. He goes well on the poly and Dennis Bosch has Richard Fourie aboard.
The third is a competitive maiden. Magic Hat Trick was much improved over ground when close-up at long odds. That was only his third start for Carl Hewitson and a repeat can see him close again. Rainwater found market support last run when Glen Kotzen tried him in blinkers. The blinkers come off cheek pieces go on along with Richard Fourie. Whereverilaymyhat raced green in a promising debut. He should enjoy this trip. Animal Impact has put in two recent forward showings on the poly. He stays the trip and rates a winning chance.
The Tarry inmate Magic Tattoo could be one of the better bets on the card. He has put in two good sprints on the turf and the switch to the poly should suit and he rates a strong winning chance. Convocation was out-classed in the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint but scored three-in-a-row prior to that. Her last win was over course and distance. Russian Doll won this race last year for Michael Roberts. She has had two runs back since a lengthy lay-off and ran a smart preparation race at her second run back.
Tarry saddles the class mare Magical Flight in the fifth who has been consistent of late and her rating has stayed steady. She is smart on her day and as an older mare she should enjoy the switch to the poly. Pirate Prince has been contesting features over further at recent outings but is effective over this trip. The Alyson Wright stable can do no wrong of late and another winner is on the cards.
Willow Express had his consistency rewarded last start for Tarry and he only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can follow up in the sixth. Corne Spies raids with Wyzeact who shoulders top weight but has been in good form in smart Highveld company of late. He steps up an extra furlong but his last win was on the poly. Lucky Dollar won well over course and distance at his penultimate start and stays the trip well. Has a plum draw and should go close. Wendy Whitehead sends out Joshua Hotsnake is in cracking form of late. He has a handy weight and will go close if he stays the extra furlong.
The eight is a tricky handicap but although Stevie Gee has the worst of the draw he was a touch unlucky last run. He has consistent form over course and distance. Hippocrates goes well on the poly and was a close-up third over course and distance last time out for Stuart Ferrie. Brave Voyager is never far behind and although most of his recent form has been over further, he is effective over this shorter trip. Alyson Wright has three runners all with a chance. Stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa rides Victor Rail who seemingly has the weakest recent form. The market could be your best guide here.
Gary Rich could round off the last with Phaka Imali who goes well on the poly and is in good form. The extra furlong should not be a problem. Gorgeous Dude was a recent maiden winner when making his poly debut but had been making steady improvement. He is lightly raced and can follow up. Strawberry Stinger is coming to hand and was running on strongly on the poly last time out. The extra furlong will also suit. Rich also saddles Benni In The Area who has shown up well on the poly at his last two. He is a strong front runner and can make all.
