– Written by Mark van Deventer
They could start at skinny prices, but BELA VISTA and THE US OF A are highly probable winners of the first two races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.
BELA VISTA was a bit naughty on debut, yet still ran on well to get within 1.75 lengths of Tequila Sky after a stubborn start at the Cape Racing Sales Maiden Plate on 24 April. The impeccably bred Gimmethegreenlight ex BELA BELA grey faces some other well pedigreed firsters, so a market watch is advised before committing.
THE US OF A, by rights, should have exited the Maidens already. A victim of a rare, misjudged ride by Richard Fourie in March and then beaten by a lip by a very promising juvenile, Surge of Power a month ago, Paddy Kruyer’s entry is trying to gain compensation in Race 2, off time 12h15.
The United States colt need only repeat either of those last two dips and he should be a Maiden no more, though the presence of potential market springers among the debutants might tone down enthusiasm somewhat.
Des McLachlan is in the process of setting up a competitive stable at Milnerton for racing-loving, Mauritian businessman, Denis le Breton. They have good chances with TOTHEMOONANDBACK (Race 6) and ALL ABOUT RONNIE (Race 9), with Fourie a significant jockey booking on both.
The latter is pitched back into a tightly rated handicap and is drawn wide (11), but he showed guts and a neat finishing kick to burst through a tight gap and win the RaceCape Powered by Hollywoodbets Class 4 on 20 April. He should give a good sight once again.
TOTHEMOONANDBACK is just a one-time winner from 20 starts, but this Class 5 looks like just the right race for him to finally, and belatedly, crack a second score. His only win, 739 days ago, came under Fourie’s forceful urgings and that, combined with going over nine panels could work the oracle.
The Stormsvelei Stakes (listed) over 1800m is a fascinating puzzle. Eleven fillies and mares go to post and while Candice Bass-Robinson has a strong chance with RED PALACE and GOLD POKER GAME clearly the best in on official weight ratings, the contention may run deeper.
Wherever GOLD POKER GAME finishes, so LOVE IS A ROSE should be nearby. And Bass-Robinson would be hopeful that RAINBOW LORIKEET also does the stable proud as the sprightly daughter of Querari ex Nightingale has held her own against reopposing PRINCESS IZZY and TIME FOR LOVE.
Add giant filly MY FLOWER FATE into the complex mix; she just needs to jump on terms for a change, and it shapes up into a real humdinger where a wide spread is suggested for exotics such as the Jackpot and P6.
