Punters face a competitive nine-race card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday where the headliner is the umThombothi Stakes a non-black type race over 1950m with a healthy stake of R200k.
However, the presence of Nathan Kotzen’s champion Royal Victory appears to have chased most potential opposition away in spite of potential juicy rewards. Royal Victory is likely to start a short priced favourite as he has much in his favour but in a small field Muzi Yeni will need to judge pace carefully. Andre Nel’s assistant Byron Forster saddles Selukwe who is held by Royal Victory on current showings but is holding form well. Silent War has come to hand nicely and failed narrowly last time out and while Miss Platina looks to be out of her depth off a light weight she can earn a slice of the pie.
The opening leg of the PA is tricky. Lava Burst may just have needed his last run although not beaten far he should feature. Kwagga Blitz has some patchy Highveld form but the step up in trip could now be what he’s looking for. Deep draw is a concern but he is a big runner. Mark Dixon reports that Master Du Rouvray is working well at home after a break and he has shown some promise while Zyakala has improved with a tongue-tie and is not out of it.
Our Lady Fate has been much improved in a tongue-tie and this trip over 1400m in the opening leg of the Pick 6 is right up her alley. Like A Prayer is lightly raced an appears to have come to hand. She comes with promising Highveld form to back her claims and will be a big threat. Zena Rose is way better than her last run and goes well this distance and should run well. Takatalvi has a tough draw but ran a cracker at long odds last time out against a winner who looks useful.
Tyrconnell will have plenty of supporters in the sixth, another competitive handicap, given his recent form and given the jockey bookings as Sean Veale will have had the pick of the four Hollywood Racing horses. However, Tyrconnell got a four-point rise in the handicap for his last win which sees Imposing 4.5kg better off, taking Rachel Venniker’s allowance into account, for a length beating which could be enough to turn the tables. Also better off is Bowie who has the benefit of a pole position draw. Savantrix won well to weaker last run but is lightly raced and possibly still on the up.
Beach Palace takes a big drop in class and the corresponding jump in weight may not be an issue in the sixth and could be one of the better bets on the card along with Hodgepodge in the next. Connoisseur is struggling for his second win but has made some recent improvement and has been dropping in the handicap while Attaboy may just have needed his last run and has a 4kg claimer aboard from a favourable draw.
Hodgepodge has run to smart races since shedding her maiden and the form of her last effort over course and distance has worked out well. Danger could be Buttercup Baby who won well at just her second start and looks progressive. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride and her 1.5kg claim. Radu has been consistent and although seemingly held by Hodgepodge on their last meeting she is not without a squeak.
Prized Platinum has hit form on the Highveld and looks more than capable in this line-up. Cotton Ron has been a soldier for Louis Goosen and ran out a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out. He took a five-point rise in the handicap but that may not be enough to stop him from another win. El Draque is never far back and is now 3kg better off with Cotton Ron for a two length beating on their last meeting which should see him closer. Now I Got You is in good form and has a 2.5kg claimer up to help his chances.
The last is another wide open handicap. Abaddon is lightly raced and although a narrow maiden winner last run he does have some scope. Magma Magic was touched off at long odds first up out of the maidens and can go one better while Who Blinked made steady improvement leading into his maiden win. He also looks progressive. Professor Lupin is way better than his last run. Trip may be on the sharp side but he does have a useful 2.5kg claimer aboard.
