It’s a case of ‘pays your money and takes your chances’ at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday. It is a competitive eight-race card where the increases stakes and revised programming has drawn out horses that trainers have struggled to find suitable races for.
Keeping a close eye on the market can pay dividends but in some cases the obvious may not be what it seems.
First of these could be the opening leg of the Pick 6 where Mexican Pete could be the out-layer. Frank Robinson’s charge has been off form of late but all three of his latest efforts have been in soft ground and his last two from wide draws. He has pole position this time around accompanied by a five-point drop in the handicap. If the weather holds he could be the one to beat. Wendy Whitehead sends out the seasoned galloper Sundance Kid who is smart on his day and first time blinkers could bring out the best. Capsaicin has the wisest draw which will be a factor in a competitive handicap but he is in good form. Bristol Hercules is 1.5kg better off with Capsaicin on their last meeting but has also drawn wide.
Captain Oliver could be one of the better bets as Frikkie Greyling’s charge has not been out of the money in four starts and stays the trip well. Beaten favourite at his last two and can make amends. Uzwano has been progressive as he steps up in trip and could now be over his ideal distance while Woodland Glade steps up in trip and although carrying top weight the distance should suit. Fire Force is still a maiden but only has 49kg to shoulder. Garth Puller is a master at staying horses and Fire Force could go all the way from pole position.
There are no obvious bankers in the Pick 6 but Plaza Accord has been dropping in the handicap and now looks to be off a competitive mark and could fit the bill. Veteran Ibutho has the widest draw and his recent form is nothing to write home about but the blinkers are back on and he has dropped significantly in the handicap. Phaka Imali surprised at long odds last start when switched back to turf. A repeat could see him go in again although he did get a hefty five-point raise in the handicap. Slytherin won at long odds on debut and the extra should suit.
The sixth is another wide open handicap but although Magma Magic disappointed when favourite last run over a sprint he steps up to where he shed his maiden. He has the best of the draw and Rachel Venniker’s allowance. Numzaan has had two runs back from the Cape both on the poly. He is way out in the handicap but does look capable off this weight. Rooster Bradshaw is lightly raced but made steady improvement to his maiden win. He can follow up in this field. Stars In Heaven has jumped in the handicap after his last win over course and distance and a hattrick cannot be discounted
Louis Goosen’s gelding Ibhele is likely to start at long odds in the seventh but has come to hand of late and showed up well in first time blinkers. He is down in class and has a big weight but a 4kg claimer could see him home. Lady Of Vix is quick but may just have found the extra 100m of her last run a touch too far. Vision To Achieve is never far back of late and goes well this course and distance. She should be involved in the finish while Ayuwi Yuwi is holding form well although this extra furlong could be a problem if the pace does not work out.
The last is another competitive handicap but One Smart Cookie is hardly ever out of the money and should have a big say in this company. Colorado Creek tried a mile last run but has done well this trip and is holding form well. Littleblackgem is way better than her last effort in the soft and could pop up with a two-point relief in the handicap while Glamorz is down in class and was not far back under a big weight last time out.
