Andrew Harrison
Buddy Boy could be the punters friend at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday when he lines up in the seventh, a Class 4 handicap over 1600 m.
Out of the Mike and Mathew de Kock’s yard, Buddy Boy was a fair third behind the useful Fortress Of Fire in a poly sprint last time out. He will enjoy the switch to turf back over what may be a more suitable trip and looks to be the horse to beat and a possible exotic bet banker.
He will face stiff opposition from Glen Kotzen’s runner Fast And Free who has been trying much further but has not been far back. He could do better over this shorter trip.
Gareth van Zyl saddles two contenders in I Am Invictus and Wiccan Warrior. I Am Invictus was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and is lightly raced. He can go one better. Stable companion Wiccan Warrior started at long odds when second last time out and a second recent run in blinkers back on turf.
The De Kock’s could have a say in the card opener where they have two first timers in Ibhola Lomlilo and Sparrow Man ridden by their retained riders. Both fillies have exceptional pedigrees but they will first have to get by some experienced runners. Of those that have run, Dancing Party has made steady improvement and was close-up on this course last time out while Mekong has seldom been far back and gets first time blinkers which could see her improve. Pacific Mood found some market support last run when trying further in the soft and can improve.
Mike Miller’s charge Steamy Windows could get the Bi-pot off to a winning start. He has been trying further but his two post maiden runs have been in feature company and looks the part although he is not short of opposition. Kid From The South shed his maiden last run but does look progressive and should be a factor along with the filly Tyme To Talk who took on males on the poly last time out and has run two smart races. Omkulu Boss is a maiden, who was scratched from his recent intended start, but has found betting support at his last two and could surprise.
Andre Nel gave Theleia a short break and makes her local debut from a wide draw in the first leg of the PA. However, she boasts some smart Cape form and should make a bold bid. Lovecomesknocking has made steady improvement for Tony Rivalland and was a close-up second over course and distance last time out. A favourable draw adds to her appeal. Indignation has made recent improvement and was not far back over course and distance last time out and gets a useful 4kg claimer aboard from a good draw. Gimme The Power has been knocking at the door for some time now but her last two starts have been on the poly and she can run into the money again. (
Highveld visitor Paul Matchett only has one runner on the card and Give Me A Chance found some market support in his last Highveld sprint. He has champion elect Craig Zackey aboard and can pay his way. Old Harry Rocks showed up well on debut although starting at long odds. The run should have brought him on a few lengths along with the filly Bai Yulu who made marked improvement in first time blinkers over course and distance but does have a fair weight in this Open Maiden. Hadrian’s Wall was run out of it late last start after contesting a suicidal pace and his best two runs have been over course and distance and he gets a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle but still has a big weight.
The Middle Stakes for the fairer sex is wide open. Dean Kannemeyer sends out Tulip Fields who has a big weight but has been in good form of late and her last win came over the distance. A wide draw does not help but horses from this yard are generally dropped out to run on. Ladyofdestinction is back over what might be a more suitable trip and she is seldom out of the money. De Vlugge is interesting and she has been rocketing up the ratings as she bids for her fifth successive win. However, all have bene on the poly which is a concern. Miss World has run two smart races for her new stable and now steps up in trip.
Lucinda Woodruff has had a fine winter season and sends out Hop Hop Spinnekop who came from a mile back when touched off over course and distance last time out. Her apprentice does not claim but is riding with confidence. The Candice Bass stable saddles Taylor’s Version who has been much improved back in blinkers and her last three runs have been on this course. She has the best of the draw and should feature along with stable companion Lilac In Winter whose latest win was on this course and has since put in two fair efforts on the poly. She has a more than capable claiming apprentice aboard.
Yogas Govender sends out Flamethrower in the eighth. The two-year-old has a big weight in spite of a claiming apprentice but he took on a strong feature race field first time out of the maidens and could prove too classy for this line-up. Iron Will lives up to his name as he bids for his eighth win from 51 starts. He is quick and with a 4kg claimer aboard he must have a strong chance. Lunch Money has smart poly form and should make a bold bid in spite of switching to turf while Diamond Maker showed up well first run out of the maidens and has a chance in this line-up
In the last, Arverni Princess has won her last three over course and distance for Louis Goosen and can follow up, however, she has an apprentice hunting his first winner aboard while biggest danger Fleu De Ling, a length behind when last they met, has Rachel Venniker riding. The latter is 1kg better off in the handicap which could make the difference. Captain Ventura is quick and should be right there while Ruby Rising is way better than her last run and is a must inclusion in all calculations.
