Rain broke a string of 40 degree days last weekend and all though they proved welcome relief the consequence was thunder storms and heavy falls which put paid to last Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting. The long range forecast is for more water come this Sunday at the same venue but we live in hope.
Royal Victory makes his return in the Michael Roberts Stakes that heads the card after a smart effort in defending his Gr1 Summer Cup title behind Atticus Finch. He is the best weighted in this field and if anywhere near his best he should be good enough to win this under former regular pilot Muzi Yeni. Danger could be Imilenzeyokududuma who won well in the Christmas Handicap and although going up four points in the handicap for that win he can follow up from a good draw. Tony Rivalland’s filly Celtic Beauty was strongly fancied to win the Flamboyant Stakes on Boxing Day but first time blinkers did not have the desired effort and they come off as she finished behind winner Mary’s Greenlight and Miss Platina but both are worse off at the weights and Celtic Beauty could make amends.
The African Holly Stakes was rescheduled with the same line-up and William Robertson is back on one of his favourite courses. Corne Spies again appears to have picked the right race as the gelding is well in at the weights with all of the opposition.
His recent form is difficult to fault, second to star sprinter Dyce at his penultimate start and a winner at Scottsville last time out. He should start at the top of the boards again and all going well he should prove difficult to peg back.
However, Sun Blushed is smart on his day and Michael Roberts’ charge was only three lengths back to William Robertson when last they met. This was his first run back since finishing a length back to Surjay in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and his recent outing should have sharpened him up. Mike de Kock saddles the promising filly Khethiwe’s Destiny who has only once been out of the money but has not been out since finishing behind Quid Pro Quo in the Gr2 Golden Slipper. Word from the stable is that this run should bring her on but she is clearly talented. Louis Goosen sends out the veteran Donquerari. He is a tough warrior who was touched off by the progressive Cats Pajamas last time out. He has it all to do at the weights but has a money chance.
Punters are faced with a well-filled 10-race programme with a tricky start to the Pick 6. Sundance Kid has the widest draw to contend with but has shown useful form in good company at recent outings. Rachel Venniker stays aboard for Wendy Whitehead and the gelding could prove good enough to shoulder top weight to victory. However, drawn alongside is Royal Swan Master who has been costly to follow but never far back. He never quite gets there but the longer Scottsville straight and a handy weight could see him home. Officer In Command has been holding form well and has won over the course. He may prove to be the best of Mike de Kock’s runners while I Salute You landed the odds last run when favourite. Peter Muscutt’s runner is lightly raced and appears to be on the up.
Connery will have plenty of supporters in the fifth as he tries for six-in-a-row but it becomes more and more difficult as he steps up in class. He got a four-point raise in the handicap for his last win but 4kg claimer Jacey Botes stays aboard and Glen Kotzen’s gelding could well pull it off. Mike de Kock sends out the filly Calanthia to thwart Connery’s chances. She has won two of her four starts and was comfortable last time out. She looks useful and gets plenty of weight from Connery. Good Traveller finally got another win under his girth when back over his optimum trip. He has good form on this course and now that he has his confidence back he could be threat. Word from the stable is that Bourbon Warrior is back from a break but given that he has won two of this four starts, that could mean anything.
The eight is a tricky but Captain Oliver is progressive and was run out of it narrowly by Flyingcool when last they met over 2400m. They are down in trip here and Gary Rich’s runner is 1kg better off in spite of winning. However, Captain Oliver looks progressive and the drop in trip could see him turn the tables. French Trip has been knocking on the door for some time now and is due some reward while Woodland Glade is way better than her last run and Muzi Yeni is back on board
The last leg of the Pick 6 is an interesting contest with some smart fillies making their seasonal debuts. However, the mare Go Like Flo takes on younger rivals but could just have the edge. She was touched off in her local debut after showing some good Cape Town form and with a run under her girth and a step up in trip from the best of the draw she could prove to be the horse to beat. Lucrative is 1kg worse off with Go Like Flo after getting the better of her last time out but the mare could, with a run under her girth and a weight turnover, see her turn the tables. Spirit Of Levana and Just Reckless both make their seasonal debuts after showing up in smart juvenile features behind the top class Quid Pro Quo last term. Word from the stables is that both may just need it but class could tell. Malcom’s Dream and African Beat are also in the mix.
