Boeing City is a speedy filly who is on the up and she can make it a hattrick in the seventh race at Scottsville today, a MR86 Handicap for fillies and mares.
Last time out this speedy Sail From Seattle filly showed good speed to overcome a wide draw on the Greyville poly over 1000m yet still found extra when required in the closing stages so she should be able to stay 1200m down the straight. She has to overcome a four point merit rated raise. However, that win was in October last year and it is no mean feat for a three-year-old that young to win off an 89 merit rating.
Although some say three-year-olds generally do not improve at the same rate as the weight for age scale suggests they should, they would need to explain why these youngsters appear to find it easier to win off higher ratings in the second half of the season than they do in the first. This filly looks capable of handling the merit rated raise. She faces Essenceoflife on 4kg worse terms for a 1,50 length beating but according to the wfa scale she should have improved by 2kg so the difference is actually only 2kg which still puts her ahead on paper. Silent Crusade could be the main danger. She has a fluent action and was a touch unlucky last time over course and distance so could make amends off the same merit rating meaning she has to carry only 52,5kg.
Lunar Rush has dropped to a competitive merit rating and is tough to ignore as she has a good record over this course and distance. Victory Trip and Cause And Effect are close on form and are also hard to ignore.
The last race of the day over 1000m looks tough at first glance but Wendyle could be the one. The Louis Goosen yard have turned full circle this month and this Twice Over gelding could be the latest one to pop up. He has a lot of speed and probably found 1200m too far last time. He has been dropped another four points in the merit ratings and with 4kg claimer Jason Gates aboard has to carry only 50,5kg. In his only run over course and distance he went close in a maiden to Solid Gold, who is not struggling off a 78 merit rating, 14 points higher than Wendyle’s.
The sixth race over 1200m is the only other handicap on the card and Coldhardcash could be the one. He won his maiden well and starts off on a reasonable 75 merit rating. Tristful also looks promising and his 78 merit rating is also a reasonable starting mark. The topweight Blackburn Roc has dropped to a competitive 81 mark and is distance suited.
The other five events are all maidens.
In the first over 1000m Krishnies Jet could win under Lyle Hewitson if repeating her penultimate run. The frustrating Rocket Fire ran on of his best races over course and distance and was a touch unlucky that day so could be involved. Solsbury Hill has fair form and Marcus is aboard but he might need it. Alfonso Spagoni is close to Krishnies Jet on form. Hondo could also earn.
In the second over 2400m the ones which make most appeal on a combination of form and pedigree are Network Jet, Cassius Colt and Cruise Cruz.
African Angel is the one to beat in the third over 1200m as she is improving.
In the fourth over 1400m Pollard was most disappointing last time but should appreciate the step up in trip and now has Marcus up.
In the fifth over 1400m Winter Retreat looks to be a promising sort and if able to overcome a tricky draw should enjoy this trip.
By David Thiselton
