By Mark van Deventer
After a short hiatus, racing returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday for an eight-race program.
Off time of the opener is 12h40 and punters will need to keep their wits in a series of tricky handicaps and Maiden contests.
Going with the top weight in a handicap is an old racing maxim to help overcome doubt. The logic is that the horse has earned the burden by virtue of good performances for the class level and will somehow find a way to defeat lesser rivals.
Following those guidelines, Champagne Kisses, who carries top weight in Race 6, a Class 4 for fillies and mares, can follow up on her last easy sprint victory as she goes an extra panel.
While it is a deep race with many plausible chances, she was visually impressive; earned a good figure for the grade and despite being raised six points in the ratings can defy 62.5kg’s and go in again.
JP van der Merwe sticks solid on the Justin Snaith trained daughter of Vercingetorix out of fine race mare, Champery who was being offered at around 9/1 in early fixed odds quotes.
Dumbledore gets the nod in Race 3, a Class A over 1100m. Richard Fourie riding for Vaughan Marshall is always a positive indicator, and he retains the mount on the determined sprinter after they were unluckily thwarted behind Arctic Wizard last time at this class level, when continually blocked.
Kaiboy could be held safe, as he was only a neck ahead of the selection on that occasion, despite all the interference suffered by Dumbledore. That said, they also ran close together back in December 2024 on pretty similar weight terms, so these 2/1 joint favourites should again have a ding- dong, tussle.
Marshall also saddles Time for Orchids, who returns to his care after a long sojourn on the Highveld. Gavin Lerena gets on well with the Time Thief mare soshe could be a late running threat if relishing being back at home.
Dean Street loves to race handy and hug the inside rail so should get the perfect set up drawn 1. He is a feisty customer and hard to outmuscle.
Low weight Global State is not impossible if he repeats his better try behind My Best Shot. Excellent apprentice, Brevan Plaatjies will try waking the 16/1 rank outsider up after some dull attempts.
Lucy Rocket is a venturesome bottom-of-the-boards selection in the finale. Her claims are not immediately obvious in this five-furlong Class 4, requiring an imaginative reading of the past performances.
She does however sport good enough back form and has legit excuses at her two starts since a rest. Assuming veteran equestrian, Andries Steyn now has her in prime shape, she might suddenly run back to her best and get into the fray at big odds.
Those who remain unconvinced about Lucy Rocket’s “flimsy” credentials may focus elsewhere. Peace of Mind is a true speedball that is sure to go well under Lerena, and The Charleston has a slight pull at the weights with that foe which makes her a clear chance, too.
Should Champagne Kisses run nicely in the 6th, then Lhasa, who ran second to her last time also comes into the reckoning. And both Golden Tatjana and Golden Ideal are capable at this level in a difficult -to-solve handicap.
Bettors may narrow things down to three main chances in Race 5 – a Class 5 over 1400m. In a Timely Manner weaved through to win on debut and looks way-above-average. He will need to run down favoured, Firingonallengines, who will try double up after going start to finish a month ago. High percentage hoop, Gavin Lerena (ten wins from the last 30 mounts) remains at the controls.
And, Your Follow Heart, despite being a juvenile set to tote 62.5kg’s, is respected after a stylish victory seven weeks back.
