David Thiselton
The highest rated race at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting today a Progress Plate over 1200m.
Esteemed looks promising and finished a two length second in the Gr 2 TAB SA Nursery. He now gets 3kg despite officially being rated 14 points higher than him and Richard Fourie rides. He has not raced for 16 months, but the De Kock yard should have the horse fit enough to run a good race. Amelia’s Legacy is full of class and her last couple of disappointing starts are simply due to her having lost her confidence due to a starting stall incident. This drop in trip might be what is needed to spark her and she could go close with a feather weight. The Last Duke will be racing fit and hence could upset the applecart against the aforementioned trio, who all have question marks hanging over them, as he has good Highveld form. Good For You is a Gr 2 winner who has the class to go close and he could well enjoy the step down in trip as a horse who can take a hold.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1400m Trombolines is distance suited and should go close in his third run after a layoff over an ideal trip from pole position. El Dante has some class and will have come on from his last run so has a chance over an ideal course and distance. Next Of Kin is consistent and should be right there.
In the fifth race over 1750m Black Platina is a lot better than her last start and could bounce back over a suitable course and distance with Craig Zackey up. Chaos Queen could be in the shake up if repeating her last start. Takethegreenlight can be right there if able to overcome a tricky draw.
In the sixth race over 1200m the talented Showgirl returns from an eight month layoff but can get away with it over this trip and she could be well ahead of the handicapper off a 76 rating. Xenophon looked to be a fair sort in the making at one stage so has been disappointing in his last two starts but he can bounce back. Gorgeous Guy also has ability but needs to bounce back.
In the eighth race over 1200m Hah Lah Lah looks to be going places and can make it three wins from four starts. Best Of All and Kalahari Roller could be a threat. Masterofthedesert could be ahead of the handicapper having won on his KZN debut and being raised only three points and Military Command has plenty of ability.
In the ninth over 1200m Rags To Riches won well second time out and the form has worked out well and she can beat home Sovereign Gem and Lady Jean.
In the third race over 1400m Prized Possession look promising and can get off the mark.
In the second race over 1000m Cartel Queen is consistent and has the form to go close.
In the first race over 1200m Egolee made a fine debut and could go one better.
