Champions Season is behind us and the new season kicks off at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. The Listed Off To Stud Stakes heads the eight-race card and with many of the runners looking for some black type before they head off to stud, the race has attracted a competitive field with many in with chances.
Peter Muscutt saddles Mascherina who got an eight-point shunt up the handicap for her last win with second-placed Crazy Blues staying on her mark and now 1.5kg better off in the handicap. However, Mascherina is lightly raced and could still be under the handicapper’s radar so can follow up. Mike de Kock has two runners in Littlemarysunshine and Sparkling Jubilee. Littlemarysunshine has a wide draw to contend with but has some useful Highveld form in good company and stays the trip well. Sparkling Jubilee has drawn pole position and although her recent form has been in lessor company, she has been consistent and she only has 52.5kg to shoulder.
Robbie Sage makes the trip from the Highveld with his only runner on the day. Cape Lights. won a Pinnacle Stakes under bottom weight last time out but had steady form in strong Highveld company before that and has a handy galloping weight. Sean Tarry did not enjoy the best of endings to the season where his runners were expected to make a splash but he can get the new term off with Elembee. She seldom runs a bad race and has run well on this course. She also has a handy galloping weight and needs serious consideration.
Malcolm’s Dream is not the easiest to catch ‘right’ and looks well held by Mascherina on their last meeting. However, if she decides to gallop she could upset.
The result of the card opener could rest between My Boy Lollipop and Maphaka.
Frank Robinson had a good end to his season with Cat’s Pajamas winning and Shoot The Rapids an unlucky second in the World Pool Gold Cup. He sends out My Boy Lollipop was much improved in blinkers last run. Although a beaten favourite the winner Henry Harvey does appear to be a little above average. Maphaka made a smart debut over course and distance at lengthy odds. He is sure to come on with the experience. A tongue-tie Sovereign Command a tongue-tie saw him improve nicely second time out. That was on the poly but he made his debut on this course.
Izibulo and Grand Occasion look to be the principal contenders in the first leg of the Place Accumulator. Izibulo has a wide draw to contend with but has run two smart races over ground and rates the one to beat, however, Grand Occasion finished a length behind Izibulo when last they met but has the better draw. There should not be much between the these two.
Sun In My Pocket could prove a banker in the opening leg of the Pick 6. At least you will you’re your fate early but Wendy Whitehead’s filly has put in two promising efforts on the poly. She was a well beaten third last run but taking on males and that form has worked out nicely. Hurricane Cat was a beaten favourite last run but battled a little in the soft ground. She was a good second over course and distance at just her second outing and a repeat should see her in the firing line. It’s one each between Hurricane Cat and Edge Of Tomorrow but the going could be the deciding factor in the former’s favour.
Night Rocker was a beaten short-priced favourite at just his second start but was still green and only got going late. That experience and the extra furlong should be to his liking with Tristan Godden back in the irons. Good Living also goes this trip for the first time but has been improving with every outing. He jumps from pole and should have no trouble seeing out the extra furlong. Tibbott Bourke is a lightly raced four-year-old but has ability and is proven over the trip. From a good draw he must have a strong winning chance. Teriyaki has drawn wide but has been knocking on the door for some time now. A win would not come as a surprise.
Mc Dazzler let the side down when starting a short-priced favourite at his last two but he is a lightly raced four-year-old and first time blinkers could bring out the best. Always Shining was running on behind the promising Henry Harvey last time out in his first try on the turf. He has done well over the trip and should be a threat. Super Casanova is showing signs of coming to hand after a much improved effort last time out. He has a good draw and should make a bold bid.
In the sixth, Million Voices returns from a break where according to trainer Mike Miller she has been given time to mature. She shed her maiden at third time of asking, prior to that finishing runner up to Equus Champion Quid Pro Quo. If she is anywhere near best she could prove too good. Stable rider Tristan Godden has jumped ship on Hereinafter in spite of the seven-year-old hunting her four straight win. Miller has another string to his bow in Discerning who was staying on behind the promising Dark Winter last time out.
Michael Roberts could round off the meeting with Noble Storm who is down in class. She is holding form well and likes this course. Gorgeous Girl has not been out of the first two since racing in cheek pieces. She was a narrow winner on this course last time out but has the best of the draw and only got a three-point penalty for that win. Pilot Flame didn’t have any luck from a wide draw last run on the poly. She made a smart handicap debut prior to that and looks to have a bright chance. Dawn Surprise has a wide draw to contend with but the extra furlong should suit and she was staying on well last time out.
