The reappearance of Horse of the Year Oh Susanna dominates today’s racing at Kenilworth and on ratings she has the proverbial stone in hand in the Supabets Pinnacle Stakes.
Richard Fourie’s mount was as short as 6-10 with World Sports Betting yesterday and the other bookmakers seem sure to follow suit but this is her first race since she only narrowly won the Woolavington at the beginning of June.
Oh Susanna (Candiese Marnewick)
“Punters should be a little bit cautious because of the strength of the race and because this is Oh Susanna’s first run back,” Justin Snaith warned yesterday. “She has done well and I am happy with everything but she has only been on the grass once since her last race and some of the opposition are super fit.
“We are hoping for a good run but I can’t get her 100% without her having a couple of races. This is a prep and she is not racing fit – and to blow a field like this away she needs to be at her best.”
Lady In Black is second favourite at 9-2, presumably because she was only three-quarters of a length back third in the Woolavington, but she has also not raced since. Furthermore Oh Susanna ran some way below her best that day.
Brave Move could be a bigger threat as she has won her last six starts and during that period nothing has been able to get to the bottom of her. “She is going into this race fit and well but not tuned up to her peak,” said Adam Marcus. “She is so competitive and she has such a big heart that she will really try.
“But one has to be realistic about taking on a filly who oozes class. If we can finish close up behind her it will be a run full of merit.”
Today is Dean Kannemeyer’s 58th birthday – and he probably doesn’t need reminding about it! – but Hashtagyolo can have little chance of keeping her unbeaten record after being off since New Year’s Eve. Surprisingly, though, she has been backed from 10-1 to 7-1.
Fresnaye (14-1), beaten a length and three-quarters by Brave Move in the Final Fling, has had a more recent run but it is difficult to see her turning the tables. Rider Donovan Dillon, incidentally, was 25 yesterday.
Love To Boogie looks over-priced at 18-1. She and Goodtime Gal (16-1) are close on their Diana running and have the considerable advantage of a comparatively recent race. If the favourite’s lack of fitness catches her out don’t be surprised if victory goes to one of these two.
Mastamgambit and Silva’s Fling, who dead-heated for second on their debuts at Greyville at the end of July, head the market in the opening maiden. But how strong is that poly form? Preference is for 9-2 shot Engage And Beware who can make amends for last time’s Durbanville disappointment.
Jacqueline has been backed from 5-1 to 28-10 for race two but the vote goes to Princess Penelope who made an encouraging Durbanville debut.
By Michael Clower
