– Written by Mark van Deventer
It takes a brave punter to have a bet on a horse who is a notoriously slow starter. But on occasion, fortune favours the brave. At times, it can be shrewd to keep an eye on horses who are in races that could be run to suit, and that could be a case in point at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.
Race 5 sees tardy jumper, SPIRIT’S UNITE, go in a Class 5 over 1400m. The dilemma for punters is that Piet Steyn’s charge, to be ridden by Richard Fourie, towers above the field on his best effort, so he might still win even if sleepwalking out the stalls once again. Three weeks ago, he motored home to get within spitting distance of Steadfast in a higher-class contest; races off the same merit rating of 69 and should at least get a decent early pace to attack with his customary late surge.
Fourie is in his own words, “a chip and a putt away” from breaking the SA record for the greatest number of winners in a season, so bettors have the right pilot to navigate a winning passage on SPIRIT’S UNITE from barrier 9.
Main dangers are KELP FOREST, last-start victor, KEBONALESEDI and the improving GOLD INDEX, with HANG OUT THE STARS, likely pacesetter TICKING BOMB, and F EIGHT wider backups.
Impeccably bred Lancaster Bomber ex Demanding Lady filly, CHARLOTTE BRONTE appeals in Race 4, an Open Maiden over 1600m. She has neat form over slightly shorter, and she runs as if an extra panel will be an advantage. Top man Fourie is doing the steering on this half-sister to illustrious siblings, Charles Dickens, Charles, Somerset Maugham and Steinbeck.
CHARLOTTE BRONTE could be the right banker to kick off in Leg 1 of the P6. Bettors wanting alternative cover can use SAINT BRIGID who has solid recent tries to her name and should get a saloon passage from the inside alley, NATIONAL DISGRACE (right in the mix on collateral form behind Green Isle and Plum Pudding), plus likely improvers, LAVENDER BAY and WEHAVEASITUATION.
In Race 2 for fillies and mares over 1400m with net ratings of 94 and below, SUMMER LILY cracks the nod based on her zippy turn of foot. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight races for the same high-percentage Snaith Racing / Fourie duo that send out CHARLOTTE BRONTE.
The 13/10 ante-post favourite has won two of seven starts, goes fine fresh and this unexposed talent could be a few ticks better than her current official assessment. A true run 1400 suits her ideally.
CALLMEGETORIX, Fatal Gem, the now more favourably weighted FUN ZONE, and SCHOOL POLICY are her principal threats.
– All images: Chase Liebenberg
