Andrew Harrison

It’s back on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf today and trainer’s that have bottled up their runners for the turf have come out in force. So punters face a highly competitive nine-race card kicking off with two juvenile maidens where many runners are making their debuts. The market will be an indicator but caution is advised.

In the card opener, of those that have run, Dancing Partner improved nicely second time out and coming on the right way. The experience will count in her favour. Iceberg Rose was a beaten favourite last run when trying further but has run well on this course and can make amends. Asgardian Queen found market support at her last two and is well experienced which is in her favour. Lady Jerome  disappointed on the poly last run after an improved previous effort and the switch to turf could see her improve on that last run.

Again there are many first timers in the first leg of the Bi-Pot but Benny And Paul may just have needed is last run after returning from a break and the drop in trip should not be a concern. Biggest threat could come from Prized Possession who found strong market support on debut and should come on with the experience down the straight course. Old Harry Rocks raced green in a promising debut and any market support must be respected along with Yukinko who should come on from his poly debut and is another one to watch.

Red Hot Miss will be a popular banker in the first leg of the PA as she was runner-up at her last two on the poly. She stays the trip and has the best of the draw. Indignation was much improved when tried over a mile last run. She was well beaten but can come on from that effort. Anything But Love is an older filly that has been close-up in all three starts and should feature in this line-up.

The first leg of the Pick 6 could rest between Day Tow and Princess Palace. Day Two is lightly raced but stays well and was a good second when taking on stronger last time out. He has the best of the draw and should be in the shake-up. Princess Palace was up against stronger last run but ran way below best. She can do much better in this line-up.

The fifth is an intriguing race. Ovation Star is lightly raced but has garnered a hefty merit rating. She was a close-up second last run but takes on two Gr1 Garden Province hopefuls in Ladyofdistinction and Educator. Dean Kannemeyer’s filly is the highest rated and won well enough on the poly last time out. She is still improving and may be the one to beat. Ladyofdistinction ran well below best last start and should do better here. Gran Occasion may be a touch out-classed but is in good form and can upset.

The last three are competitive handicaps and it will pay to load up in exotics. Hunga Tonga won well over course and distance at her penultimate start and followed up with another strong effort on the poly. She should put in another strong performance in the sixth. Open Sesame has improved in blinkers and has a favourable draw while Blue Poppy is never far back and only once out of the money. With a 1.5kg allowance She will be in the firing line. Past Is Prologue has a tough draw to contend with but her two wins have come on this course and she was narrowly beaten last time out.

Garth Puller could hold the key to the seventh with Major Tommie who is way better than his last two. He goes well over this course and is seldom far back. Hah Lah was a touch disappointing last run when starting favourite but shed his maiden over course and distance on debut and a repeat can see him close again. Best Of All is lightly raced and was a good second last run over course and distance although under a light weight while Military Command has improved in blinkers and Gavin Lerena stays with the ride.

In the eighth Cavalry Commander has been in good form since a change of stables to Mark Dixon. He has won over course and distance. Street Outlaw does not have the best Cape form to recommend him but Ricky Maingard is a master of his craft and the gelding is not up from Cape Town to sample the air. Little Boy Blue has a useful 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive off a light weight while Luneluck returns from a lengthy break but had good form before that and he will have a chance if racing fresh.

The last is another tough handicap but Arverni Princess is quick and loves this course and distance. She has a 4kg claimer aboard and should be competitive. Jane’s Vision will start at lengthy odds but is seldom far back and her last win was over course and distance. Night Tiger has patchy form but never far back of late and can surprise while Bless Me Fred is always in the game and another with a winning chance.