DRICUS and UMFULA have solid claims in Race 3 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday afternoon. Both are Maidens but have shown enough to exit those ranks soon, and a testing 1800m into the wind will bring their stamina into play. (MONEY EXTRACTOR, DARLING GIRL and JET A ONE should get on with it down the back straight).
UMFULA has already done fine up to 2000m while Andre Nel’s DRICUS hints at preferring this stiffer test to the inadequate 1400mwhich he ran a month ago. That was his first start after gelding, and he closed willingly behind Scottish Links.
PAST AND PRESENT has been showing up well against low level winners and is worth adding to P6 tickets as he receives 4kg from the two aforementioned under the terms of this Open Maiden.
WAR HAWK, who stayed on resolutely behind Tenpenny in the Woodruff Racing Syndicate Maiden Plate on 5 February, can be used underneath in single race exotics.
The following race over the same distance is also full of pace pressers; half the 11–strong field like to force the issue. That could tee things up for a late-running “swooper” like BOUNCEBACK.
Justin Snaith’s runner was noted staying on behind Rich Folks Hoax over 1600m three weeks ago and will appreciate the extra 200m.
Richard Fourie is on board and can be counted upon to judge the tempo expertly before launching a powerful rally. BOUNCEBACK’s ability to finish off makes him a reasonable each way proposition at this class level.
BOUNCEBACK
Other contenders include ENCHANTING CHOICE, BEER WITH THE BOYS, ALADDIN’S LAMP, TWO A PENNY and perhaps even class-plunging GREEN MANDARIN under the steadying burden of 64kg.
LA PULGA won in some style last in the Summer Country Championship 1800 final on 8 February, and is favoured to handle the rise in class and double up in Race 5, also over 1800m. He is developing into a smart 3YO middle distance performer.
However, the lack of pace in this race with just eight entries (only SOLAR POWER has ever led before) could bring about an upset result. LEGAL COUNSEL, VOORLOOPERTJIE, LIGHTNING GLOW, PREVALENCE, HAT’S PRIDE and even the 16/1 rank outsider, FIBONACCI, have claims.
FIBONACCI mixes his form and rarely wins – hardly strong selling points. On the positive side of the ledger, he fits fine at this grade, has a zippy turn of foot when in the mood and continues to slide in the ratings. This despite flashing a 22.5 second come–home sectional at behind rapidly progressive, subsequent victor, Gallic Dream, in December 2024.
ARTISTE and KYALAMI GIRL should have quite a tussle in Race 8. The former ran a career peak in a blanket finish off Trip To Maputo after a bumpy start on 11 February, and KYALAMI GIRL, despite throwing in the occasional blip, is a neat sprinting filly by Querari who swept past the re-opposing and respected FIRST MASTERPIECE in December 2024.
Those three are probably the principals to focus on, but BLUE HOLLY goes for jockey Ashton Arries, and will play catch-me-if-you-can, while MISS MARGUERITE has a chance on collateral form.
