Alistair Cohen
Flying Finley is in the form of his life. He has sailed through the divisions and showed himself to be capable every time he takes another step into good company. He does not look out of place against a good field in race 8 over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.
Unseen in two months should not be a concern. He has been shrewdly placed by trainer Paul Reeves. He seems to have no issue stepping out fresh. The engagement of Keagan de Melo is also a huge benefit. Not only is de Melo trading at a great percentage on his return but he gets the best tune out of this son of Oratorio.
His last three runs have come under de Melo and his tale of the tape reads two wins and an admirable second, all at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1000m. Three runs back he beat Lyrical Gangster. It was tough to predict his rise on the evidence of that performance but that gave him so much confidence. Plus, his versatility is another tool at his disposal. He can race with the speed and he is just as effective coming from off them.
His second run under de Melo was a good runner-up finish behind Magical Place. He followed up with a commanding win over Gold Giboski. That win is made more appealing because Gold Giboski beat a good field at Hollywoodbets Durbanville nearly two weeks ago. He was given a five-point penalty for that win but if he is to keep feature race company this summer, he ought to handle the handicapper’s new rating.
Sardinia Bay suggests that he has lost some of his sparkle but he grows an extra leg at this course as opposed to down the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The revision to this trip should give him further potency and the booking of Richard Fourie catches the eye. For that reason, he must be respected. He is three runs unbeaten at this course. Last time he was here was on a lightning fast running track and he beat the well performed Candy Town and had her beaten for speed. That is what he is capable of.
Elusive Winter is also a 1000m specialist and is not to be taken lightly. The lack of a deluge of rain in Cape Town this winter will help his cause because he battles to see it out when the going becomes soft. There is rain forecast from next week so this race looks to be coming in time. Sifiso Bungane takes 2,5kg off his back and that weight swing puts him into the picture. He does need things to go his way but he is capable. Michelle Rix has her runners in top shape which is another plus.
Un Bel Di was a fluent winner last time but he will need to confirm. He is the opposite to the runners mentioned. The likely steaming hot speed could play into his favour. He does have a good turn of foot.
Senorita Lolita made a pleasing debut when she finished second behind Dream Trip over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. From gate No 2 in race 1 over 1250m, she must have every chance to step forward and go one place better. She hails from the yard of Lucinda Woodruff.
Woodruff has a top chance in race 2 over the same trip. Winterworldoflove hails from a family that comes into their own with a few runs under the belt and time does them no harm either. She is related to Bunker Hunt, Salvator Mundi, My Soul Mate and Gimme What I Want who are all feature race performers. Winterworldoflove ran third on debut behind Supreme World in bottomless going. Callan Murray takes over. She could be the best bet on the card.
Ready For The Road and Masteronthemoon look set to fight out race 3 over 1600m. Ready For The Road has 0,5 lengths in hand over his main rival so it is hard to suggest that form will turnaround if all things are equal. They easily have the best form on offer and a Boxed Exacta is suggested for punters.
Mighty Mary gave a huge effort in her last run when she finished second behind Cutie Patootie over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. She should kick on and go close in race 4 over the same trip under Richard Fourie. That was in April so fitness is to be taken on trust but Vaughan Marshall knows how to keep them fit. Expect a good challenge from Vroom Vroom who has been coming to hand and has form that puts her a shade behind Mighty Mary.
The next two races are not easy. Race 5 over 1500m a slight persuasion is for Mon Papillon who stepped up in trip last time and she acquitted herself well to finish second at this course over 1600m behind Before Sunrise. She had the worst of the draws and that was a good step in the right direction. She does need to confirm the run but she could be up to the task. Fourie rides for Paul Reeves.
Race 6 over 1250m is a stronger event but with no less knots to untie. Lyrical Gangster has been runner-up in his last two efforts and looks set to be on the premises again. Runs to All About Al and the hugely progressive Witch Hazel should set him up with a good winning chance. Two-year-old Another Hero has no weight to shoulder and he is an interesting runner.
Heritage Ridge was one of the wins of the winter when she was shoved out deep and forced to cover extra ground when successful over 1000m at this course last month. She is back over the same track and trip in race 7 under Gareth Wright for Michelle Rix. She had no right to win but she overcame all angles for a gallant victory. The confidence boost should make her the horse to beat.
