After a break from racing of nearly two months for spring treatment, racing switches to Hollywoodbets Scottsville this weekend where runners will be faced with a billiard table.
A card opening bonus could come first with Major Tommie. Garth Puller’s charge made a promising debut and did find some market support. He was only beaten just over a length by Future Flo who has since franked that form with back-to-back victories. Of the first timers, all the trainers have commented that their charges will need the run. Watch the betting!
Mind Map has finished runner-up in both local start, both on the poly. He was second best behind Mc Dazzler last run but could go one better in this line-up. Bring The Magic and Little Cracker have shown some ability and in with a money chance.
In the second, Sun In My Pocket is talented but does not have the easiest of temperaments. If Wendy Whitehead’s charge can keep the lid on until the gates open she could prove difficult to beat. Her biggest threat could be Littleblackgem from the Michael Roberts yard who has run well over course and distance and showed up well first up from a lengthy lay-off last time out. Dressedtothenines has not been far back since racing in blinkers but has had a few chances. She gets a 4kg claimer up which will help her cause. Lightinthedarkness gets first time blinkers and could up her game
In the first leg of the Pick 6, Woza Nawe found one too good for her when starting favourite last run. It was a narrow defeat but Peter Muscutt has declared blinkers and if they have the desired effect, she rates the one to beat. Bao La has the best of the draw and Gareth van Zyl’s filly has her third run after a lengthy break. She is lightly raced and could make the required improvement over the extra furlong.
Of the balance, La Vida Loca has not been far back in her two local starts and can feature in this company while Dee Day has drawn wide but also has her peak run and cannot be ruled out
In the fourth, a Maiden over a mile, Go Grayson Go has shown steady improvement for Frikkie Greyling and was run out of it late when favourite last time out. At his penultimate start he was runner-up to Mike de Kock’s Cape Guineas entry Artists Model to the inference is obvious.
Alyson Wright has booked log-leading rider Gavin Lerena for World Of Our Own who has been placed in all three starts. He has a wide draw to contend with but looks a big threat to Go Grayson Go.
Of the balance, Meercat Moon steps up to what could be a more suitable trip after running on nicely last time out while Long Gallery has drawn in New England Road but was much improved in blinkers last time out and can feature for the in-form Garth Puller yard.
Vihaan’s Queen got a hefty six-point rise in the handicap after her last win but still looks quite well in at the weights for the fifth. She won well last time out and Gareth van Zyl appears to have picked the right race for a back-to-back attempt.
African Beat has her third run after a break and was narrowly beaten last time out. Mike Miller has stepped her up to what looks to be a more comfortable trip and she could threaten Vihaan’s Queen. Miss Platina steps up in trip after being a beaten favourite last start on the poly. Tinnie Prinsloo’s filly looks held by Vihaan’s Queen at the weights but she is in good form. Broadway Girl finished in front of Miss Platina when last they met but Stuart Ferrie’s filly is now 1kg worse off.
The sixth is a competitive handicap. Global Movement got a two-point rise in the handicap for running second but he has consistent recent form and Tienie Prinsloo has booked Gavin Lerena for the ride. One Scotch got a hefty rating for his maiden win and with top weight it remains to be seen if it was a realistic rating by the handicappers. Doug Campbell’s veteran Lake Como has not been far back at recent starts and has been slowly dropping in the handicap. He has Rachel Venniker’s allowance to assist and from the best of the draw he has a chance at possible long odds. Future Saint has his third outing for Prinsloo and steps up to a more suitable trip. He could also be a surprise package. Not an easy race
Jane’s Vision had a good early record on this track and has come well of late. She takes a big drop in class and with Venniker’s allowance she should be a strong contender in the seventh. Lady Of Vix won well at second time of asking and Tony Rivalland’s charge looks progressive. She got a hefty rating but does look capable. Prankster is never far back and was two lengths behind Jane’s Vision when last they met. With a 4kg claimer up she is much better off at the weights and it will be up to the apprentice to shine. Ayuwi Yuwi is also better off at the weights with Jane’s Vision with her four claimer up so also has claims.
The last is a wide open handicap but Paul Lafferty could hold the key with the grey The Ghost. She is up against males but she ran a smart race in much stronger company last time out. She has a big weight to shoulder but does look progressive and has a touch of class which could see her home. Garth Puller has cleverly placed Masterbling who has won four of his last five starts and as a five-year-old has only been creeping up the handicap. He still looks well weighted so expect another big effort. Top weight Professor Lupin is slightly better off in the weights with Masterbling and is in good form so must be a contender. Ultra Quick has been holding form and is another that comes into the picture in a tough race.
