By Mark van Deventer
Captain’s Destiny only just missed on Saturday and the horse who beat her quite easily a month ago, SOHOT SOWHAT can go in again at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday. She participates in Race 8, off time 16h30.
The 3YO daughter of Soqrat showed little on debut only to win her next two starts in the style of a promising youngster. Even though she has been bumped up another three points to an OMR of 87, she must have a good chance of completing a hat-trick with Gavin Lerena (a 26% winning strike rate jock) remaining loyal on Lucinda Woodruff’s entry.
Race 6 could be a match between two well above average 3YO’s, KINGS QUEST (Bass Racing) and PLEASE BE TRUE (trained by Justin Snaith) who appear a cut above Class 4.
PLEASE BE TRUE was heavily backed to win his last start but blew the start and was then continuously baulked, clocking in midfield. He is more realistically rated on his runs to smart sprinter, Arctic Wizard and stable mate Sail the Seas when he also did not have the rub of the green but still earned a neat figure.
KING’S QUEST is consistent and progressing steadily under Bass’s patient tutelage. The Querari gelding was only a length off PLEASE BE TRUE when making his debut and there should be very little in it at the finish off level weights and with similar draws.
The Red Dawn formline is working out well. Not only has he gone on to win subsequently but placed horses (Tenpenny, a fluent winner on follow- up, and Umfula, 2nd next start) have confirmed the better-than-usual figure for Maidens. On that basis, REAL STUNNER should give it a full go in Race 5 over 1600m at 14h40.
LANDOFTHERISINGSUN, a beaten favourite as his last five starts, has probably been helping to fund private school education for some bookies kids. He is good enough to crack it, but it is not a straightforward ride and bettor’s patience is wearing thin.
Others to consider underneath in exactas are NOBLE HERO (the longshot went hard from a wide draw behind Red Dawn then only caved in late) and CRESCENT, who was stiff last time (held up at the 400m) yet still got within a neck of My Archangel.
MISS WORLD hasn’t won for nearly a year but that doesn’t mean she has been underperforming. In fact, she is overdue a second win having run strong numbers in tough races on several occasions. Blinkers come off on Tuesday – her sole victory came over this c/d without blinkers.
Greg Ennion’s filly gets an ideal opportunity to get back on the score board in Race 2 over 1200m – a Class 3. Her main dangers are GIRL LIKE US (right next to Miss World in the recent race won by Mai Sensation); class-dropper, ARTISTE; the improving, BABELICIOUS and erratic but capable, TRIP TO MAPUTO.
