Glen Kotzen, 53 today, should be able to celebrate in style at Durbanville where he has a favourite and two second favourites among his nine runners.

The man who won South African racing’s greatest prize with Big City Life nine years ago is renowned for his cheerful optimism – a valuable commodity in a racehorse trainer as it inspires and attracts owners – and he has been in Grade 1-winning mood with his Sun Met hope Eyes Wide Open in each of the last two seasons.

Glen Kotzen

Today’s runners are highly unlikely to reach anywhere near that level but there is a lot to like about Sacred Night in the Tabonline.co.za Maiden. Bernard Fayd’Herbe’s mount has a plum draw and last time’s third to Carlas Mambo suggests (on a line through Vascostreetractor) that he should beat Gallagher. The selection opened favourite at 28-10 and probably has most to fear from the Ramsden runner Cash Call (33-10) who might well have finished closer than fourth on his most recent outing – Donovan Dillon reported that he felt something was amiss with the gelding.

Kotzen has also booked Fayd’Herbe for 11-2 shot Blush Scarlet in the first but stable companion Trap Queen has a better chance on the book and according to World Sports Betting which is quoting the filly joint second favourite at 9-2.

However the vote goes to the Justin Snaith-Richard Fourie combination of Spirit Festival who is favourite at 3-1 on the strength of last time’s second over a furlong less here. Hero’s Daughter (9-2) made a promising debut when unfancied four weeks ago and will have come on for that but her 13 draw is major disadvantage. Aziri Sun, also trained by Brett Crawford, should not be far away.

Despite having to give lumps of weight all round – including a whopping 5.5kg to the one-time Algoa Cup hope Ollivander – Kampala Campari looks good for the TAB Telebet Handicap (race two). He was beaten less than three lengths when sixth in the Matchem. That was his first race for three months and he races off the same mark.

Candice Bass-Robinson is responsible for three of the other four runners. Aldo Domeyer is on Ollivander but Ontenderhooks and Pacific Chestnut also have high class pilots in Fourie and Ryan Munger. Kampala Campari, though, remains a confident selection.

Victory for Troop The Colour in the Play Soccer 6 Handicap would be a fitting tribute to Ronnie Sheehan. Last time’s effort was a little disappointing but Domeyer’s mount looks worth an interest.

By Michael Clower