By Mark van Deventer
The Perfectly Placed A Stakes over 1400m is Tuesday’s headliner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. It is Race 8 on the program with nine entries. The scheduled off time is 16h35.
GALLIC DREAM rates a winning chance based on his current form at this class level, heart and consistency plus, potentially, an ideal pace set up. Craig Zackey has positional options from draw 1 in what should be a true run race with SAN PEDRO, LET IT BE SAID, SEEKING THE STARS and COASTAL COMMANDER all comfortable racing on or near the lead.
Officially best weighted, SEEKING THE STARS, who has taken on the best during his career, has a shake under red hot rider Gavin Lerena who cleaned up in all three features at this track on Sunday. The 7YO is 2/2 over the C/D and should get a good trip racing prominently from a low draw.
SILVER FALCON comes into play at the weight turnaround with GALLIC DREAM on their meeting in the middle of March. And he followed up with a nice try behind runaway victor, Tenango two weeks ago to confirm his well-being.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN used to be ultra dependable but is not quite as reliable these days, nor has he been cut much slack by the handicapper. Still, he has an excellent C/D record (four wins from six starts) and, under a patient ride by Aldo Domeyer if the torrid pace materialises, can get into the mix on the pick of his past performances.
LET IT BE SAID ran well despite not settling when held up behind Garrix in the Gr 3 Variety Club Mile. Garrix has since gone on to win the second Leg of the Winter Series giving the form a nice shape. Prior to that he tore off to the front and kept going to (just) beat Fatal Gem. He is not an easy steer, but the presence of other front runners may enable him to settle better. There is little separating this Justin Snaith entry and GALLIC DREAM on collateral form.
MAKAZOLE was very good at two, duking it out with seriously smart, Snaith companion, Great Plains a couple of times. While his penultimate was not too shabby, he needs to show more vigour than what he’s done recently before being recommended.
SAN PEDRO could be the speed of the speed carrying a light weight and with his propensity for setting off super-quick. Those early exertions and a breathing issue when pressured make him vulnerable to quality closers, however.
His Marshall Racing stable mate, COASTAL COMMANDER last won 377 days ago and has not been able to make an impact since. He needs a revival to trouble the scorer.
The same need for a wake-up applies to BAVARIAN BEAUTY. A notable juvenile career has not been translated into anything significant subsequently – all three runs in 2025 have been weak, so she is passed by.
The race could resolve itself into an exciting duel between GALLIC DREAM and LET IT BE SAID. It could all hinge on how the enigmatic, LET IT BE SAID behaves and is ridden by Richard Fourie – he’s either gone forward, raced handy or been held up at previous starts.
“When torn between two runners, go for the horse at bigger odds,” is a well-worn racing maxim so maybe the preference should be for Eric Sand’s admirable chestnut at the early prices. GALLIC DREAM is 4/1 as opposed to quotes of 18/10 about his rival.
SILVER FALCON rates next best with SEEKING THE STARS also respected. Minor place chances are given to SUGAR MOUNTAIN and 36/1 rank outsider, SAN PEDRO.
