Trainer Justin Snaith has worked wonders with Groovejet. In five starts since a wind operation, he has won three times and two close-up seconds to weigh in on the consistency he has formed. The big-striding son of Silvano stands out as the horse to beat in race 4 over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
He is supremely well bred out of stakes winning mare Jet Belle. Genetically, the further he goes and the more he races, the better. That has seemingly come to pass now that he is fit and running regularly.
After a string of disappointing, yet consistent, maiden runs, he was given a three-month break between June and September. The results since has put Groovejet in that smart, emerging, underrated category of horses. His last two runs has emphasized his improvement taking out both races easier than the end margin suggested. He does take his time to get into full stride but in full flight, he looks impressive. Two runs back he beat Tothemoonandback by 1,25 lengths over 1950m on the shorter straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He won by the same margin at this course over 2000m at his most recent start at the end of 2024. One must also consider he is one from one over this course and distance.
JP van der Merwe has become customary for having at least one winner a meeting. That statistic has been common for about two months now. That should fill punters with slightly more confidence.
La Pulga looks like a horse with better days ahead. Although he has not gone through the divisions at any great rate, he has always been held in fairly high regard by trainer Candice Bass-Robinson. He does need to prove that he can be effective over this 1800m trip but if he can reach the extra distance, he could be a threat to Groovejet.
Gentleman Joe has suddenly found some consistency. Over a year ago he ran many points above his rating in the Premiers Trophy over this course and distance. The conditions of the race did not allow for a penalty from the handicapper but it took him nearly a year to win again. He won his penultimate run before a good third behind the progressive Regulation last time. Gentleman Joe has an undeniable chance if he remains consistent.
Kwite A King enters consideration. He is a progressive horse but it must be noted that van der Merwe is retained by owner Greg Bortz and he opted to ride Groovejet. If jockey arrangements were different, the race would be looked at through different spectacles. Craig Zackey takes the ride on Kwite A King which is noteworthy in any case.
Snaith has good winning chances throughout the day. He holds a good hand in race 2 over 1600m with Future Turn who mixes his form but seems to have found the right race. He finished a 3,25-length second behind Promettere over this course and distance last month. In the process he beat Solar Power and Hat’s Pride who he meets again.
Swiatek could serve up the goods in race 5 over 1400m. She has become such a wonderful filly to follow. She puts in superb efforts every time she comes to the races with a record of four starts for a win and three second place finishes. Her outside draw will not be ideal but for a filly who gives such a good effort, she might be able to counter draw No 11. To slightly help her cause, the rivals with form are drawn around her.
The Snaith show carries on from Swiatek to Un Bel Di who runs in race 6 over 1000m. He has also returned from a wind operation and his form since has improved with every start. Off for six months between June and January, he surely needed his first two starts back. His first run after a break was fair but his last run was one to be confident in. He stayed on strongly to finish 1,3 lengths behind Golden Destiny on World Sports Betting Cape Town Met day. Golden Destiny runs a race later and he has a huge chance. Fitness and form is now on the side of Un Bel Di. He could be one of the best bets on the card.
Golden Destiny looked the goods when swooping up late to win from Carriacou. If Un Bel Di wins race 6, Golden Destiny will have his chances enhanced. Zackey is carded to take the ride for Dean Kannemeyer.
Race 1 over 1200m looks to have some shallow form to it but the improving Imokelly could be the horse to settle on. Only two starts under his belt, he caught the eye at his last start sneaking into fourth behind Circumbendibus. He is back over the same course and distance under Louie Mxothwa for Brett and James Crawford.
Iconic Destination has been slammed with issues and therefore he has low mileage. Now that he has found the groove and enjoying racing again, he could get a long overdue second career victory in race 3 over 1600m if he can last over this trip. His last two runs came over 1400m when he finished creditable second places giving his connections every reason to persist. A change in tactics, asking him to make up ground seems to have worked in his favour. He would be a popular winner if he were to get the job done.
Tenango looks like he has the qualities of a feature race horse and if he stays on the route he is going, he should win race 8 over 1200m. He demonstrated a lovely turn of foot when winning two of his last three runs. He was beaten by Elusive Winter, who won again last week, in his penultimate start. That was over 1000m which might have caught him out, not giving him an extra second to turn it on. He should relish the circumstances he is in and he gets Domeyer on board to boost any confidence.
