Andrew Harrison

Royal Victory ran well below par in the soft in the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup on the Highveld, a race that he had won before, but can make amends when he lines up in the Michael Roberts Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

Nathan Kotzen’s charge has had his mental issues, at times refusing to go to the start, but a ‘re-education’ by horse behavioralist – read ‘horse whisperer’ – Glyn Redgrave, Royal Victory has learnt to behave.

This time around, in spite of top weight and the widest draw, he is the class act in the race and best weighted in the field by a long chalk. The 1750 m may be a touch on the sharp side but if he behaves his class should see him home comfortably.

If there is to be an upset it could come from another veteran galloper in Cape Eagle. He too did not take his trip to the Highveld well and back over a course where he has smart form he could be a threat. In the absence of injured stable rider Serino Moodley, Andre Nel has ‘imported’ Gareth Wright from the Cape which is an indication that they fancy their chances.

Imilenzeyokududuma  appears to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners if Sean Veale’s choice is anything to go by although he is way out in the handicap while Mike Miller will have a busy afternoon with a plethora of runners but Narina Trogon is always dangerous. It appears that he has been set up for this race and the step up in trip will suit.

In the first leg of the Place Accumulator Camogie has shown up well in both starts to date and was beaten by the promising Son Of Rafeef last time out. He started favourite on debut and with two runs under his girth he should know what’s it’s all about and could be a banker. Sargasso Sea disappointed last run when looking like a million dollars in the canter past. After an improved second start she has a light weight and can do better. Levitator has consistent form to his name and started favourite last time out. His recent form has been on the poly but he does have a light weight. First timer Etzabeth boasts a cracking pedigree and maybe he can cheer up his suspended namesake.

There is a tough start to the Pick 6 but Saudi Sweep could fit the bill. She was withdrawn from her last intended start on Stipes permission and has been in smart form since joining  Louis Goosen. This could be her day. Coccolina is lightly raced but caught the eye last run on the poly and could finally be coming to hand. Past Is Prologue made a fair debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out and makes her local debut. She started at long odds but is one to watch along with stable companion and first timer Scarlet Starlet the mount of S’Manga Khumalo, Gareth van Zyl’s go-to rider.

The fifth is another tricky handicap but Past And Present made a promising debut for his new stable and judged on his previous Cape form the step up in trip will suit. Stable companion Dee Dee’s Delight has improved with each outing and drops back in trip where she has done well before. Strutting was due to run on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday. She was run out of it late last time out and this trip from a plum draw should see her close if she makes the line-up.

The sixth is another competitive handicap. Jeanne Darc has been dropping rapidly in the handicap and although shouldering top weight she is down in class and possibly off a more competitive rating. Saint Brigid won well last time out and has come on progressively since arriving in KZN. She is 1.5kg better off with De Vlugge on their last meeting and should be able to confirm that form. Treasure Island looks to be coming to hand again and with a light weight and her best form she will be competitive.

Tristan Godden has jumped ship on Cleartherunway  to partner Plazza Accord  but Mark Dixon’s runner has only had three outings and was close-up in a strong field in his handicap debut. He looks more than capable of going in again. Plazza Accord has steady form over the trip but has to give Cleartherunway 3.5kg which may prove too much. Riccardo is down in class with a light weight and he could go all the way.

In the last of the exotics, Cowboy Country won well on debut and followed up with a smart handicap debut. He has a light weight and Tony Rivalland’s runner looks the part in this line-up. Mark Dixon will be hoping for a double as he sends out Captain’s Christy. The mare is never far back and is in good form of late as is the stable. First Origin has a big weight but is four-points down in the handicap and has not been far back of late.