Scottsville stages a low key eight race meeting today but there are still some interesting horses being turned out and there could be one or two opportunities for punters.
The first is a weak maiden over 1200m and the one to side with could be Timeous, who stayed on well over 1200m on the poly last time after being caught in behind horses which allowed the winner to steal a march. Masked Girl ran second over course and distance last time out after the race had panned out very well for her as she was given a tow by the leader until the 300m mark. From a higher draw she might have it tougher this time. Simla has some fair form against stronger but looks held by Timeous on their only meeting over this trip, although that was admittedly on the poly. Elusive Lady returns from a layoff and might appreciate the step down in trip. Venetian Gold appears to have problems but two of her best runs were over 1200m and she can’t be ignored.
Rock On Baby looks an exciting horse in the making and could follow up on her easy maiden win in the second over the same 1000m course and distance. Just Lucky has some class and will be running on strongly over this too sharp trip. Lady Penrhyn is well regarded and could earn.
Roy’s Strike Force ran a decent second last time out over the 1200m of the third race and could go one better here. Omega Onslaught made a good debut over course and distance and with natural improvement will be a big runner. Thunderwood was not far behind him and should improve too. Destined For Dawn is a hard knocker who is course and distance suited and he could earn. Forest has scope for improvement and is also one to consider.
Nikki ran on for third behind two promising sorts over 1000m on debut and is drawn in pole over the much more suitable 1600m of the fourth race. Wind Trader has run two fair sprints to date and should also appreciate the step up in trip. The consistent Cherry Orchard is likely to be involved in the finish here.
The hard knocking Dark Avenger could finally get it right in the fifth over a suitable 1600m with Anton Marcus up. However the improving Rio De La Plata should also relish the step up in trip and could be a big threat from a good draw.
Leopard Lily was up against some decent sorts last time out over the 1600m course and distance of the sixth and was by no means disgraced, so she could be the one to side with.
Alpine Ridge has always been promising and as a daughter of Go Deputy should now be coming into her own. Her last start can be ignored as she dislodged the rider. Miss Argentina has a touch of class and is interesting stepped up to this trip with Marcus up. Lertasha has matured into her big frame and is also a contender. Cassie O’Malley ran a fair race over course and distance last time and can’t be ignored.
Diamond King has overcome his problems and his class will make him hard to beat in the seventh over a probably ideal trip of 1400m. Kings Archer and Baltic Amber should give some cheek. Firewood, Master Archer and Cinema Scope also have plenty of ability and can’t be ignored.
Royal Roy has snuck into the handicap with bottom weight in the eighth and has a 4kg claimed aboard too so he looks the one to side with in the eighth over 1200m. It is a competitive event but Theseus has some class and could make his presence felt despite carrying a welter 64kg.
Special Encounter, Piano Man and National King make most appeal of the rest.
In the last race over 1200m Ooh La Var is a half-sister to Legal Eagle and doesn’t have a lot to beat. Hannah’s Answer ran a fair debut and could improve and the consistent Seek The Summit is likely to be in the frame again.
By David Thiselton
