Pineapplemintgreen has missed narrowly the last two tries at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and trainer Eric Sands will be hoping its third time lucky in Race 3, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m.
The form of those two close shaves has a nice shape to it and the step up in trip will be more suitable than recent sprints, given the way this well-bred Gimmethegreenlight ex Sunsational filly has been finishing off her races. At her last start she came from far back when awkwardly drawn. This time she figures to race closer to the action and get a smoother commute under Aldo Domeyer from draw 2. All told, Pineapplemintgreen has persuasive credentials and is a confident pick at odds of 15/10.
Whilst Pinstripe is steadily improving and Analytic may place stretching out into mid distances, Race 4, a Maiden Plate for Fillies and Mares, resolves itself into a match between Enchanting Choice and 15/10 ante post fave, Ellorix. They met 17 days ago with the latter clocking in second behind Ticket to Vegas, but bad things were happening to account for Enchanting Choice’s unplaced finish. She was checked then forced out hopelessly wide to avoid a fallen jock (Sean Veale) in drama on the turn.
Previously, despite greenness on debut, she caught the eye staying on behind Trip to Maputu. Going longer to 1800m appears the right move for Dean Kannemeyer’s filly and she is the selection at 2/1 to gain compensation over Ellorix.
Etoillefillante was punted two weeks ago and though unable to land the plunge, duly delivered a much better performance. Snaith Racing must have anticipated the move up in form after gelding given spirited market support, and the Duke Of Marmalade bay will also prefer this slightly longer route of 1600m. He is the choice in Race 5, an Open Maiden. If uninspired by early quotes of 9/10, punters might banker him instead in their exotic combos.
The terms of the race require him to concede weight to his rivals, none of whom, except for Fly Futura, have shown signs of life yet. That one ran decently at huge odds of 100/1 when debuting 17 days ago behind All About Ronnie, so could be Etoillefillante’s closest pursuer.
The latter section of the program includes some devilishly difficult handicaps. Race 6 is a case in point – the mare Veronique is the only two-time winner (from 32 starts) with the rest all having managed a solitary victory during their careers.
It’s never a bright idea to bet heavily on chronic losers – these quirky and difficult types need everything to fall neatly into place and trying to call it right is akin to catching lightning in a bottle.
Gentleman Joe, however, has been running consistently well and deserves a second win. He is tactically versatile which gives Corne Orffer positional options and fits in competitively at this humble Class 5 level.
Andre Nel’s 7/2 shot is the marginal selection, though Incredibill will be fitter now and could be a pace threat on a fast-running track under red-hot jock, Richard Fourie. Other dangers include Master of Paris who woke up dramatically in blinkers last time whilst, Legal Chitchat might startle them all if they get a good trip.
[Image of Trip To Maputo – 📸 Chase Liebenberg]
