Rebel’s Champ and Prince Of Kahal clash again in the Grade 3 Tommy Hotspur Handicap over 1000m at Turffontein and it should be a thriller weather permitting.
Last time Rebel’s Champ came out on top over the course and distance by 0,3 lengths and is only half-a-kilogram worse off. This progressive horse also enjoys the sting out of the ground and is drawn on the stand side which is often the right side, especially in wet conditions. He travelled all the way down to Cape Town for the Cape Flying Championship, but if he had not taken the journey well he would not be lining up here so he should be fine. Prince Of Kahal is an honest sort with speed and a touch of class and there will be nothing in it. Red Chesnut Road is an interesting raider from KZN. He looked something special as a youngster before problems set him back but he has become a hard-knocking sprint-miler off his current 102 merit rating. He should enjoy the conditions having won twice in wet going and the blinkers come back on after he stayed on well for second to Dark Moon Rising over 1600m last time. Rivarine was only 1,3 lengths behind Rebel’s Champ last time and is now 2kg better off so he is also in the hunt, especially as he has the highest draw of all. Exquisite Touch is 2,5kg better off with Rebel’s Champ for a 1,50 length beating so there is not much in it. Chantyman is an improving gelding by Oratorio who is also an interesting raider from KZN but on a previous meeting over 1200m he has a tough task with Red Chesnut Road.
In the last leg of the Pick Colonel Caramel was too far back over 1450m last Saturday and was found to be coughing. However, from a good draw over 1600m here and on the long straight of the Standside track he could make amends and is chosen as the value bet of the day.
In the previous race over 2000m, an Assessment Plate, Protea Paradise is the best weighted horse according to official merit ratings and has proved himself over the course and distance before, finishing a head behind Atyaab at level weights and the latter went on to win the Grade 1 Cape Derby. Joint topweights Senor Lizard and Saints Alive look to be the only threats.
In the first leg of the PA Varquera made a good debut and should have come on from it being by Oratorio. Atrevete stayed on well on debut and will go close with a repeat. Captain’s Love should be staying on strongly too. Second reserve Trip To Nantes is by Trippi and is a half-brother to Edict Of Nantes so can go close if getting a run. Hartleyfive disappointed last time and was found to be making a breathing noise. He can’t be ignored as he has the ability to go close.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1160m Lazarus Tree is good on his day and from a high draw might pull it off. Purple Diamond disappointed last time but has the ability to go close. Oravar has plenty of speed and this fast track should suit him. If the low draws prove to not be a disadvantage on the day then Old Man Tyme must be included. Tarsus won well last time and can also be considered.
In the first leg of the Jackpot over 1400m Infamous Fox has class and with first time blinkers on will relish this course and distance, Tilbury Fort has the speed to go close and Captain And Master, who wears first time blinkers, is ideally distance suited but has a tricky draw.
In the sixth race over 1400m Regal Graduation beat Gimme Hope Johanna easily by 1,8 lengths last time and is now 2kg worse off but better drawn. Gimme Hope Johanna is course and distance suited and is improving, although he has a tricky draw. Mar Del Sur has dropped to an attractive merit rating and is distance suited. Invincible Lady is interesting dropped in trip. Mazari has the ability to go close if bouncing back from a good draw.
By David Thiselton
