By Mark van Deventer
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is the venue for an intriguing and competitive ten race programme on Tuesday afternoon, with 102 runners carded.
SAN PEDRO, despite being physically fickle with a history of breathing problems, appeals as the speed-on-the-rail value pick in the headliner – a Cape A Stakes over 1500m, which comes up as Race 8.
Vaughan Marshall’s entry will receive plenty of assistance from apprentice Brevan Plaatjies and could prove hard to catch racing handy from draw 1 with a light weight, that’s if his breathing holds out. At 12/1 there is some leeway to speculate.
Winter Mile victor SUGAR MOUNTAIN is one of legendary horseman Mike Bass’s favourite horses. He gives it a full go every time and knows how to win, having notched ten victories from 35 starts. He will be running hard in the deep stretch and rates a major player despite a weight of 61.5kg.
PROMETTERE, stablemate of SAN PEDRO, will also be a late running threat. He probably should have won his most recent race on 24 June, but after he was held up at the 150m he just missed behind PLEASE BE TRUE. He will appreciate the likely strong gallop with SAN PEDRO, THE FUTURIST, THE GREY KING and classy pace-presser, SEEKING THE STARS (who is another that merits serious respect for the Marshall stable) – all happiest when racing upfront.
Marshall might also fancy his chances with Gavin Lerena’s mount, title-seeking HAPPY DAYS, in the following race, even though draw 12 is a hindrance over 1400m.
The son of One World has sufficient ability to win a Class 4 but will need luck given his usual off-pace running style (though he has done fine racing handy in the past) and that tricky gate.
WHAT A FORTUNE should get a saloon passage under Aldo Domeyer from draw 1, while BOOGIEFIED is another contender who runs consistently well. But he must tote the steadier of 62kg, which arguably makes AZZURI a better option under the circumstances, drawn towards the middle of the pack.
His recent win after a rest was recorded in a swift adjusted time for the class. Next-generation talent, Plaatjies, and trainer Lucinda Woodruff are on a roll, and the Pomodoro gelding handles winter cut in the ground just fine. He represents enticing value at early quotes of 10/1.
UNITED FRONT can get P6 players away and racing in Leg 1. He only just failed on debut to Star Major, which looks the best form on offer here. He is bound to improve on that try and is selected to stave off Marshall-trained companion SIERRA SAGRADA, who had neat form before a 63-day break when gelded.
Ricky Maingard’s KONNICHIWA is also coming back after a three-month pause. He was threatening to open his account before this layoff. Given neat form in some key Maiden races, he must also be reckoned with, though the scopey UNITED FRONT is preferred.
DRICUS, who alternates some good runs (to Scottish Links and Father Christmas) with poor attempts, can be added underneath in single race exotics. The same applies to regularly placed JOUER DE FLUTE and last start beaten favourite, FUTURE FREE.
The Bass-Robinson and Snaith Racing teams have a stranglehold on Race 7 – a Middle Stakes for fillies and mares over 1200m.
Candice Bass-Robinson sends out very dependable Var filly, BABELICIOUS, as well as WINTER RAINFALL, who may be on a 587-day losing stretch but is quite capable under these conditions, and TRIP TO MAPUTO. The latter just failed to land a betting plunge (5s into 2/1) in the Milkwood at Fairview when slow away, (reported coughing and has been off track since) so there is a query over her race-readiness.
However, her prior victory over this C/D in April was excellent, combining a strong final time speed figure with a swift come home sectional. If running back to that number, she can extend her unbeaten record over this 1200m course.
Meanwhile, Justin Snaith brings Group placed SUMMER LILY home from a decent dip at the Poinsettia Stakes in KZN. She loves stiff sprints and can run them all out of it if acclimated back in Cape Town.
Snaith also saddles Olympic Duel Stakes winner, I’M SO PRITTI. She was unsighted after blowing like a gale in the betting market on her comeback run in June – assuming she is fitter now, respect is due.
MISS WORLD, from Greg Ennion’s barn, will try to gatecrash the Bass-Robinson / Snaith pageant. She is a lot more talented than her overall record of just one win from 15 starts implies. She duffed her last start badly but could be a factor on the pick of her back form. Her penultimate start, when only caught late by TRIP TO MAPUTO, illustrates her claims.
All told, given some of the fitness question marks about otherwise legit contenders, this is a leg in which P6 and Jackpot investors should cast a wide net.
