A winning strike rate that counts a winner out of every three rides is testimony to the prowess of Anton Marcus – in the saddle as well as his assessment of form. As a trainer commented recently, “when Anton calls for a ride, you know you must have done something right!”

At this stage of the season Marcus is the current national log leader on 115, four winners clear of Muzi Yeni, and has another book of plum rides at Scottsville on Sunday.

Champion Lyle Hewitson’s defence of his title was dead in the water before it even started as a knee injury saw him start the season on the side-lines. He is currently 92 winners behind Marcus but the two are likely to go head-to-head in a couple of races on Sunday. The first of them is in the card opener where they both have mounts for Garth Puller, Hewitson on Krishnies Jet and Marcus on Hondo.

The two met last time out with the younger Krishnies Jet nearly a length clear of his stable companion, second and third respectively behind Rocket Fire. Both horses will sport blinkers for the first time but Hondo was ridden by a 4kg claimer last time out and even Marcus may not be able to swing the result.

Not so in the second where Marcus’s mount Home Ruler is likely to start a short-priced favourite. Dennis Drier is back from his summer sojourn to the Cape and Home Ruler has caught the eye in both of his starts to date. He was staying on nicely behind Extravargant over course and distance and barring surprises she looks a fair bet.

Hewitson and Marcus could possibly fight out the opening leg of the Pick 6, Hewitson on Lowan Denysschen’s runner, Thru’ The Trees and Marcus riding Amex for Nathan Kotzen.

 Thru’ The Trees is tested over the trip and Hewitson will know what he has under him as he partnered the filly in her last race. The same goes for Amex, but she steps up to a mile for the first time on Sunday, no doubt on the advice of Marcus who will again be in the irons.

The fourth is more difficult. Father’s Frost is a late starter, having only had two outings as a four-year-old but was staying on well behind Last Of A Legend  last time out and he has a plum draw to boot.

Galway has run two improved races of late, both on the poly, and tries blinkers for the first time. Black Warrior, a half brother to the useful Fiorella, is something of a difficult customer but will enjoy this trip on debut from a good draw.

Marcus trekked to Ashburton earlier in the week to put Tribal Fusion through his pace for long-time supporter Shane Humby and the gelding is likely favourite for the Racing. It’s a Rush Pinnacle Stakes. The top weight has had two outings since his break for African Horse Sickness vaccinations and should strip at his peak. He will be up against Amor Ardiente who is a consistent galloper for Belinda Impey who rarely misses a cheque.

Smart filly Arianos Shadow has her first outing for Frank Robinson and must have a chance off her light weight while Flamboyant Stakes winner Camphoratus took a 10-point hit in the handicap for that win which may have scuppered her chances here.

The Sea Urchin form has worked out quite nicely which should see Curva in with a strong chance in a competitive handicap in the sixth.

Paul Peter raids and Hewitson teams up with his colt Sacred Castle in the seventh. A facile end-to-end winner on debut he looks a fair proposition but Farland and Exclusive Quantity will be there to pick up the pieces should Sacred Castle not run up to expectations.

Peter will have his supporters in the last where he saddles Mighty Rock, but Toronto, up for sae at the end of the month and the Marcus-ridden Jack Of Hearts may prove his match.

By Andrew Harrison