The Fever Tree Stakes, held over from the last abandoned Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting a fortnight back, takes centre stage at the same venue this Sunday.
It is a tricky Non-Black Type contest over 1500m with many of the fancied runners close in the handicap. However, Frank Robinson saddles the progressive gelding Field Marshal who was a beaten favourite last run on the poly but that was his first run back after a four-month break. He has run well on this course and gets lumps of weight from what look to be his most dangerous rivals that include Narina Trogon, who nearly caused a major boil over when going down narrowly to Imilenzeykududuma in the Michael Roberts Handicap who he now meets on 1.5kg better terms.
Formagear disappointed in the Christmas Handicap behind Imilenzeykududuma but followed up with a game defeat behind the smart Cats Pajamas in a six-horse field while Diani should also be in the shake-up with a good showing in the Christmas Handicap and a length off Cats Pajamas last time out although he looks safely held by Formagear given that he is now 3kg worse off in the weights.
There are many first timers in the card opener but of those that have run Treasure Island found solid market support on debut and was only run out of it late. Behind her that day was short-priced race favourite Bell Of Angelus, beaten two lengths with Captain’s Pride, also making her debut, a further length back and sure to come on from that showing. Of the unraced runners, Omnia and Quickstepgal could be worth watching.
Are You Sure and Princess Goldie will be close to the top of the boards in the second. Are You Sure has been a beaten favourite in her last three starts but now gets an in-form rider in Sean Veale and can get it right this time. Princess Goldie has only run one poor race and that was on the poly. She has been close-up in her other four outings and has run well on this course. Shesha Ntombi improved nicely second time out and can feature with Lerena up while Ms Galore made a smart debut at long odds and was a little unlucky not to have finished closer. She could be the surprise package and included in all exotics.
Good Living is overdue having been in the money at his last three starts. He appears to be taking on some modest opposition and can get the Pick 6 off to a safe start. However, Little Cracker has improved with each outing and now looks primed and could be the biggest threat. While Trend Maker has shown some promise and was a weak favourite when beaten on the poly last time out. He can do better.
In the fifth, JP’S Palace ran a smart race from the widest possible draw last time out and now has the best of the draw. He looks progressive. View Of The World hardly ever runs a poor race and his last win was over course and distance. He gets the benefit of a 2.5kg claimer. Fireburst takes on males but has come to hand of late and was narrowly beaten on this course last time out. She gets a lot of weight from most. Global Movement is reunited with Lerena who partnered him to his last win on this course and he can do better than his last effort on the poly. Master Of Destiny is always game and his last win was over course and distance but off a two-point lower mark.
The sixth is an open handicap but Nocturnal Flight did well from a difficult draw last time out and has the best of the draw here. He goes well on this course and could be the ‘right’ one. The mare Escapologist has the widest draw to contend with but she is in good form and goes well this trip. Send Me was a touch unlucky last outing when starting at long odds. The change to cheek pieces appear to have improved his form. Fine Admiral is in smart form of late but all his recent form has been on the poly. If he takes to the turf he will be dangerous.
Horses returning from the Cape often run forward races when making their local debut and Riverstone comes off some useful Cape form in fair company. He has a 4kg claimer aboard and could go all the way in the seventh. Bevies Delight was a beaten favourite last run but only got going late. The extra 100m could see her turn the tables on Captain’s Christy who was three lengths clear at the line. They meet on the same weight terms. Bourbon Warrior is lightly raced and may have needed his last run after a four-month break.
The unbeaten Regeneration lines up in the last but has garnered a hefty handicap rating and carries a big weight. She has not been out since November and she may be a little ring-rusty. This could leave the way open for Poursomesugaronme who is long overdue and is holding form well. Her current form has panned out quite well and she should make another bold bid. Like stable companion Riverstone, Two G’s took on much stronger in her first run out of the maidens in the Cape. She has been rested but does look progressive. West Side Story is lightly raced and never far behind. She has a good draw and a handy weight in her favour.
