Punters face a competitive card at Hollywood Scottsville on Wednesday but there looks to be plenty of opportunity.
Sean Tarry has had a wonderful Champions Season that could end with a bang on Saturday week where he has a host of competitive runners on World Pool Gold Cup day.
In the first on Wednesday he saddles Saudi Sweep who caught the eye on debut and with natural progression should make a bold bid. Ayuwi Yuwi improved a ton at the second run behind the highly regarded Dark Winter and she could be the main threat to the selection. French Duchess was closing quickly when taking on males last time out. She has had a few bites at the cherry but now looks to be coming to hand. Lady Slipper is a late-starting four-year-old who made a fair debut and is another likely to improve. There are a number of well-bred first timers in the race including the Mike de Kock-trained Say It Loud.
Gareth van Zyl is chasing hard for the KZN trainer’s championship and saddles Vihaan’s Web in the second. He has not been out since making his debut back in November last year but Richard Fourie rides in a race with thin form. Cappellino is well tried but can place. Luhamba Phambili and Actor could make their presence felt first time at the races.
Landseer and get the Pick 6 off to a winning start. He has made steady improvement and looks primed for event. He is lightly raced and rates the one they have to beat. Captain Marsala has placed seven times from nine starts and has a strong place chance again but he can win soon. Milan’s World has Highveld form and more than likely has plenty more to offer. Strong each way chance. Higher Love is the value for the quartet.
In the fourth, Peter Muscutt thought Bella’s Pablo good enough to take to the Cape for their season but things did not work out as expected. He made good improvement first run back home and can be expected to go one better, especially from the best gate. French Trip has solid Cape Town form and should not take too long to record his maiden win. Fire Force has a strong place chance as does Future Flo who is long overdue for Michael Roberts.
Tarry saddles Willow’s Wish who was a comfortable winner last time out in a race where he was well handicapped. He got a five-point raise in the handicap which will make things trickier this time around. Blackberry Malt has been a touch disappointing but ran a much-improved race last time and based on that alone, has to be respected. Pirate Prince is never far off the action and is an obvious chance in this while Trois Trois Quatre won well last time and is a must in all exotics.
In the sixth is a wide open handicap with plenty in with chances. Selukwe won cozily last time under Tristan Godden and it is no surprise to see him keep the ride. He does have a wide draw to contend with but is still selected for the win. At the other end of the gate is To The Rescue who has been trying a lot further in recent starts. The drop in trip with Fourie aboard could see him land his second win. Beyondtheboundary has been campaigning over shorter and was in need of his last run. He can make the required improvement over this long trip. Stuart Ferrie saddles Master Of Mystery and Lucky Dollar. The latter appears to have the stronger form but stable rider Sean Veale stays aboard the veteran runner. Famous And Rich is a tad erratic but on best efforts, can threaten while veteran Teichman is never far off them and is the each-way value suggestion.
Shanta’s Pride can be forgiven for her last run but was also far from disgraced. Richard Fourie gets the ride back for Peter Muscutt and she can get back to winning ways. Patants Heir is clearly useful, impressed when beating Shanta’s Pride on the poly last time and is a serious threat. Chelsea Flower went close last time. She gets a light weight with 4kg claiming apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto in the saddle, the youngster hunting his first win. La Divina is a must for trifectas and quartets.
In the last, Moya Wa Linga boasts consistent form and just failed last time out on the poly and reverts to the turf. He does have a hefty weight to shoulder and has drawn on the ‘wrong’ side of the course with fields generally bunching on the inside rail. Mar Del Plata is drawn alongside and never far off them. He tries hard and has strong each way claims. Intrepid and Cotton Ron have strong place chances with Cotton Ron the value suggestion.
