KING PELLES will try set the record straight in Race 7 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville after a desperately unlucky beat when continually baulked on the rail behind Sudden Song two weeks ago. Gareth van Zyl’s charge now gets Grant van Niekerk’s wizardry to guide his first time around the country course’s turns. With even luck, he should give a good sight racing handy, then kicking decisively in the straight.
KING PELLES does best in the prevailing soft ground, retains blinkers that clearly have helped, and, crucially, is fit having recently run admirably, albeit without reward. He finished five lengths off top class, Hluhluwe at level weights in last year’s Selangor Cup, so is by no means harshly handicapped off a current OMR of 76. The pace to aim at should be solid with BATON ROUGE and MIDWAY likely to take advantage of draws 1 and 2 and duel upfront.
He probably has most to fear from deep closers, PRIME VENTURE and HELIOTROPE who have caught the eye with sharp come home sectionals. But making runs from far back is not the ideal racing tactic at Hollywoodbets Durbanville so KING PELLES, who can stalk the pace in midfield is preferred.
On the Sudden Song formline, OZARK also comes into the reckoning, as jockey Michael Mjoka attempts to snap a 43-ride losing spell. He is a place contender.
Race 6, a Class 4 over 1600m, could resolve itself into a bout between HOLDING THUMBS and RADICCHIO. The latter won the hard way last time over the C & D, getting across from the outside gate, racing wide and fighting to prevail in a protracted tussle with Shavout. That was just 16 days ago, and if he has not been knocked out by that sustained struggle, he will be dangerous from barrier 2.
HOLDING THUMBS landed a betting plunge for the shrewd Kotzen Racing set-up, shaking loose on the lead and leading all the way in a Class 4 two weeks ago at the distance. This talented Vercingetorix gelding was assertive from the front and, if taking to Durbanville’s turns, might well go from pillar to post once again.
50/1 last out stunner, DAS GUTE, the slightly erratic ALL ABOUT RONNIE and MONT LOISIR must all surmount wide gates. They could close ground late to get into the picture, as can MASTER OF PARIS, but all will need to go some to pass bang in-form rivals, HOLDING THUMBS or RADICCHIO.
Vaughan Marshall slaps blinkers on CUMBRE VIEJA in Race 3, a Maiden over seven panels. He has solid form in key Maiden races, but tends to drift about / hang. If the blinkers have the desired focusing effect, together with a jockey strike as Sean Veale gets the leg-up, then the son of Erupt can shed his tag.
ARBITRATION was backed to win last time only to prove a bit laboured down the length of the straight after pulling early in a short field. That was just his second racetrack gig, and Justin Sanith’s entry can only improve for the experience. He is CUMBRE VIEJA’s principal rival, with AMANCIO, COMMANDER GREEN, PLUS FOUR and RED DAWN possible place getters.
Lone speed is a threat in any race, anywhere in the world, but especially on tight turning circuits in the mud. That could be the tactical angle for OTTO LUYKEN to exploit in Race 6, an 1800m Class 3. Gareth van Zyl’s entry has not run for 56 days so might not be fully cranked up to take advantage, but he should still give a good sight if fit enough and ridden optimally.
It’s an unusual thing for the typically patient Aldo Domeyer to lead, but OTTO LUYKEN’s sterling pace-forcing run at levels to subsequent Gold Cup hero, Master Redoute in the 1800m Peninsula back in December 2023 reads powerfully in the context of this lower-class contest.
It will be interesting to see how the race unfolds as there is the possibility that CORONATION TIME, who has done well upfront at times, seizes the initiative.
Whatever the tempo, GREEN MANDARIN is a formidable foe, though. He is poised on a four-timer, having swept to a hat-trick with a succession of fast finishes in handicap company during Winter. He’s been raised 15 points by the official handicapper for his troubles, yet merits obvious respect.
Meanwhile, BLUE BAY is weighted to get much closer now to GREEN MANDARIN so is worth lobbing onto exotic tickets as he can cruise around smoothly from the inside pen.
