By Mark van Deventer
Handsome looker, THE US OF A is really getting his act together since being gelded and can defy a hefty burden of 64kg’s and double up in Race 9 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.
Paddy Kruyer’s charge stylishly ran a career top three weeks ago over the course and distance. He has been raised by the handicapper but seems plenty good enough to cope with that 5 point penalty. TOUGH TERRAIN, COUNTER ATTACK, and NIGHT TIGER were all held safe on that occasion and should again find THE US OF A too hard to bat away.
He probably has most to fear from BLUFF ON BLUFF. That rival actually saw THE US OF A off in December 2024 and there is little in it at the weights based on that clash. The feeling persists that Kruyer’s entry (to be ridden by Richard Fourie) has improved since then and has more upside making his 12th start than 6 YO veteran, BLUFF ON BLUFF.
AIR RAID is the tip in Race 4, a B Stakes over 1400m. The 3YO was turned over at even money last time by Dumbledore in a smart, adjusted time for a strong Class 3 and can make amends stretching out to seven panels. His first up run of ’25 was particularly eye-catching when leaving Arctic Wizard in his wake and he can resume winning ways.
His main foe is, PLEASE BE TRUE who ran encouragingly last time, when closing sharply in the contest won by Dumbledore, and should improve to challenge boldly at his second start after a rest.
WORLD OF PLEASURE, GREEN GARNET and CAPTAIN WEST are pace threats but lack the turn of foot possessed by AIR RAID and PLEASE BE TRUE.
On back form DAWN TILL DUSK has a shake (he toppled AIR RAID in November ’24 over the C/D), but he will need to be cranked up first start after a three-month layoff to have any hope of repeating the treatment.
Tote players can build single race exotic wagers around ICONIC DESTINATION, HAPPY DAYS and WAR CHARIOT in Race 10, a Class 4 over 1400m.
The first named should get a good stalking trip from draw 3, racing fresh for Andre Nel and the Plattner stable. ICONIC DESTINATION fits nicely at this class level and is comfortable on soft going.
HAPPY DAYS made a sterling 1200m sprint comeback after a rest and gelding. His best scores have been achieved over a mile (note a fine try behind Sail the Seas in November ‘24,) but this likely true run 1400 (DALMENY FACTOR usually sets off hard) should suit, too.
WAR CHARIOT is likely to race handy and try keep going. He only caved in late when mugged by GREEN GARNET a month ago, and if that gut buster has not caused a reaction, he should be in the fray once again.
Back up contenders for the placings include ELSINORE, KEBONALESEDI, WHAT A FORTUNE and class-dropper, TOUT A FAIT.
