Andrew Harrison
Mike and Mathew de Kock puts Queen Braganza to the test on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. Unbeaten in two, she lines up in a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m and just how she fares will give some indication of whether she is worthy of a crack at the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas to be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 6 December.
The De Kock’s already have one runner in the Guineas with Ovation Star, touched off in the Gr3 Starling Stakes at Turffontein last weekend at only her second start, with the smart performers Elegantrix and the hither to unbeaten Stormy Day behind her.
Queen Braganza held off a challenge from Fascination to keep her clean sheet at her second start and was giving the runner-up 7kg that highlighted the merit of that win.
However, she only got a four-point raise in the handicap that suggests that the handicappers where not unduly impressed with her win.
That said, given her pedigree, Sunday’s trip should be more to her liking and the stretch to a mile in the Gunieas even more inviting.
Dean Kannemeyer has four entries penciled in for the Cape Fillies Guineas headed by last Saturday’s impressive Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship winner Princess Of Gaul that suggests that Bella Valentina is down in the stable pecking order.
That may change. Bella Valentina won comfortably on the poly over the distance on debut and runner-up Blue Poppy runs in the card opener so one could get a line on her chances. She is well bred, the stable is in mustard form and a win could see her supplemented into the Guineas.
But the race does not rest between these two obvious runners. The year older Spinmyangelspin has the best of the draw, has come good in blinkers and both recent starts have been on this course. Mrsglitterthatsparkles has shown up well in two starts since her maiden win for Wendy Whitehead and can feature in the money.
The first is a competitive maiden. Eastern Highlands has the widest draw but is the best weighted by far. If he can build on his last effort he could be hard to beat. Amber Alert has run two smart races in blinkers and was close-up over course and distance last time out. He rates a big chance on a repeat showing. Darryl Moores filly Captain Ventura was narrowly beaten over course and distance last run at only her second start. That form has been franked. Blazing Fury was a well beaten third on debut but is sure to come on from that effort while first timer Rock Me Baby is one to watch in the betting.
In the first leg of the PA, Blue Poppy was a beaten favourite last run and has shown some promise in her two starts to date. She was beaten by Bella Valentina so her run here will be closely scrutinized. Trail Runner is down from the Highveld for Sean Tarry. She is lightly raced and appears to have come to hand after a narrow second last start and the extra furlong should suit. Chooks Kiss raced green on debut and was not far back. The experience and step up in trip is in her favour. Watch the market on this one.
Councilor could open the Pick 6. The De Kock’s filly takes on males but comes off two smart Highveld efforts. She has a light weight and a good draw which is all in her favour. Qhude Manikiniki was much improved at his second start when tried over a bit of ground where he started at long odds. He should come on lengths from that effort while Windo To My Soul appears to be coming to hand and Serino Moodley stays aboard.
The fourth is wide open but Magic Maverick has been in good form for Gary Rich and goes well this trip. She has a handy galloping weight and could finally get her second win. Global Movement got a hefty five-point raise in the ratings for his comfortable last win but has come to hand at his last two and gets 4kg relief from the saddle to negate the penalty. Mohandas beat Global Movement when last they met. They meet at the same weights again so there should not be much between them. King Bavarian is in good form and has a useful 4kg claimer aboard so cannot be discounted lightly.
Red Mountain has pulled a wide gate in the fifth but was touched off last run over course and distance and appears to have improved back in blinkers. He could be worth a punt a good odds. The form behind Kanaal Skater will be fully examined with a number of runners up close last run. Jazz Festival was the best of them, finishing second. He has come to hand of late and can go one better in a competitive handicap. Turbo Twenty was only a length behind Kanaal Skater from the widest draw and should be in the firing line. El Dante has the widest gate which is not in his favour but he was close-up from a similar gate over 1400m last start and the extra furlong will help his chances.
The filly Regeneration is the best weighted in the sixth and did not get a penalty for her easy last win. The form has been franked with Treaty Of Paris winning next time out. Regeneration is way better off at these weights and should confirm the placings. Bristol Hercules has been consistent without winning but did enjoy the drop in trip last time out and from the best of the draw should be a big runner. Amor Fati gets a stronger rider aboard and has gone close at his last two over course and distance.
In the last, Fascination pushed Queen Braganza all the way to the line last time out although she was getting 7kg from the winner. She has a handy weight and a repeat can see her home. Thingamabob was three lengths back to Queen Braganza but she is a lightly raced older filly and although shouldering top weight she has yet to run a bad race. Izibulo showed up well first run back from a break. She has drawn well and can feature again. Mystique Rouge has been in good form of late. She drops back to a sprint but has a handy weight and can make the frame.
