The double header in KZN this weekend with eight races on the poly tonight and ten races at Scottsville on Sunday provides some good opportunities for punters.
The first tonight is a Maiden over 1400m. Brazzaville returns from a layoff but looks a fair sort with plenty of scope and from pole position over a trip too sharp he could use his long stride effectively. Shreya’s Star ran on well over course and distance last time out and the form has worked out well so from a good draw he should go close. Destined For Dawn stayed on over 1200m in his last poly start in August and with Anton Marcus up has a chance despite a wide draw. Lancat led over 1200m last time and stayed on quite well and should be involved over a step up in trip she should appreciate. Caprivi has some ability but has made breathing noises before. Neither of the first-timers make particular appeal.
Buster Brown (Nkosi Hlophe)
The second is a fillies and mares maiden over 1400m. Overly Impressed is an imposing sort and ran on in eyecatching fashion on debut when green over 1600m and from a good draw is the one to beat here. Eleven returned coughing last time with first-time blinkers but still managed to stay on well after being left with too much to do when the front runners escaped. She will have a chance from pole position here having gone close in her previous start over the same course and distance. Glimmer Of Silver has some early toe and being by Silvano out of a National Assembly mare who won over 1400m she is interesting here as a possible pacemaker. Young Lass is by Kahal and is full-sister to a three-time winner from 1000-1450m Nordic Lass and a half-sister to the Listed-winning sprinter Mr Mickey Mouse. Spiritos is by Mogok out of a Comic Blush mare and is a half-sister to a three-time winner.
The third is a MR 70 Handicap over 1400m. Buster Brown has thrived since hold up tactics have been used as he has an exceptional turn of foot. He is drawn widely again but should be finishing strongly and is 1kg better off with Ready For Takeoff for a 0,75 length beating if apprentice claims are ignored and 5kg better off if they are counted. Millrace’s only win was over this course and distance and on recent evidence he will relish going over this trip for the first time since. The blinkers remain on. Secret Warning was touched off late over 1600m on the turf last time and should enjoy this trip on her poly debut. Winter Auralius looks to be a progressive sort and has not been unduly punished by the handicapper for his running on maiden win over course and distance. Ready For Take Off is drawn in pole and as a game sort has a chance of doing the double despite a six point raise. Argyle Bay is down to a competitive merit rating and this is a suitable trip. Moi Power stayed on quite well over 1200m last time and might be ready to try this step up in trip.
The fourth is a MR 94 Handicap over1400m and the classy Exit Here could make it five in a row over a suitable distance in a likely preparation race for the CTS Million Dollar. The consistent Just Ask Me was raised three points for his last win and the second and third horses have both won since. Kiss Me Hardy, Waltzed Home and Buffalo Bill make most appeal of the rest.
The fifth is a MR 69 Handicap over 1400m and this looks a good opportunity for Big Si, who was a touch unlucky over 1600m last time when staying on strongly. He will enjoy this trip and has Delpech up from pole position. Keep Your Light On should have come on from his last start and should be finishing strongly over a suitable trip. Vitruvian Man returns to the poly, which he loves, off just a two point higher mark than his last win here over 1600m. In The Trenches returns to the course and distance of his only win. Prof Tiger disappointed last time when found to have made a respiratory noise but if bouncing back has a chance.
Exit Here (Nkosi Hlophe)
The sixth is a Graduation Plate over 2000m for fillies and mares. Work Ethic is officially best in at the weights after a facile maiden win over this trip in her first poly start and could follow up. One Way Ticket is officially 2,5kg under sufferance with Work Ethic but has age and experience on her side and went close over course and distance in her penultimate start when fading late. Anthony Delpech has stuck with Little Chapel who won a handicap over course and distance last time out but is now officially 6kg under sufferance with Work Ethic. Lemon Tea has some fair form but looks held by One Way Ticket on their last meeting over course and distance. Barcelona Babe is officially way under sufferance but ran a fair race last time over 1900m against a good sort.
The seventh is a MR 74 Handicap over 2000m. Pure Valor is an improving sort who looks likely to rise above his current merit rating campaigning over this sort of trip. Rio De La Plata also looks better than his merit rating suggests and can fight out the finish. Grey’s A Rockin is better than his last run and will enjoy the step back to this trip. Taegan’s Jet is course and distance suited and drawn well. Night Lock always gives of his best.
The eighth is a weak Maiden over 2000m and Smart World looks hard to beat as he caught the eye staying on strongly over 1400m on the turf last time and being by Ideal World should relish the step up in trip.
At Scottsville on Sunday Barbosa should win the second and Miss Argentina looks the one to side with in the fifth, the highest rated handicap on the day.
By David Thiselton
