After a hat-trick of winners over the past weekend we will be looking to add to our months tally of 6 winners this week and we do have a few nice chances. The stand-out runners appear to be Hollywood Thunder (pictured) and Whiteleaf Hills , who line up in the 2nd and 4th race respectively, on the Fairview Poly Track this Monday 24th February. Thereafter, Storm Ruler will be looking to put in a big claim for the winners box after finding little luck in running last time out. He lines up in the 9th race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, on Wednesday 26th February. See more about their chances and out other runners here.
Monday 24 February 2020
Fairview Poly Track
Race 2 – 13:10
1200m – Maiden Plate (Fillies and Mares)
2 – Hollywood Thunder
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 4 (9 Runners)
Current Betting: 28/10
She has been right in contention in her last 4 starts and she is overdue that maiden win now. Drawn well again, Marco van Rensburg retains the ride as she steps back up to the 6-furlongs. On form, she has one horse to beat, in the form of Linda Loves Lace who arrives from Cape Town for her local debut. The latter has found some strong support in the betting, but she does return from a 16 week absence and that might work in our favor. With the above in mind, our filly should have a fair winning chance and a solid place chance once again.
Winning Form Comments: Speedy sort. Good last four starts and is a big threat.
Race 4 – 14:10
1900m – Interbet MR 67 Handicap
8 – Whiteleaf Hills
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Xola Jacobs (-3.5kg)
Wgt: 53.5kg
Draw: 6 (11 Runners)
Current Betting: 14/1
He gave a much better account of himself last time out, when stepping back up the 2200m. We would’ve preferred to give him another go over the same trip but we have had to settle for the 1900m this time around, due to fewer options on the program as far as his preferred trip is concerned. With that said, he has been falling in the ratings and he is starting to look very competitive off his current mark of 54. The 3.5kg claimer takes the mount and on his current well-being he should give a useful account of himself and a top 4 finish can be expected.
Winning Form Comment: Is 6kgs better off at the weights with number 7 on latest. Can upset.
Wednesday 26 February 2020
Hollywoodbets Scottsville
Race 3 – 13:05
1200m – Track and Ball Maiden Plate (Fillies and Mares)
10 – Nordic Winter
Trainer: Darryl Moore
Jockey: Warren Kennedy
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 10 (18 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 20/1
She has shown us very little so far and time is starting to run out for this filly. As such, she has her debut here and we are hoping she surprises us with a decent performance first up.
Race 9 – 16:40
1950m – Hollywoodbets Bright Future MR 67 Handicap
13 – Storm Ruler
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Anton Marcus
Wgt: 59.5kg
Draw: 13 (15 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 7/1
He was a little unlucky last time out, when mounting a late challenge and finding a wall of horses in front of him. Drawn 13 this time, Anton Marcus takes the mount and considering that there doesn’t appear to be much pace in the race, he may have to commit early and try to find a handy position. The son of Silvano has dropped to a very competitive mark of 66 now and if building on that latest effort, he should go right into contention here. The slightly longer straight at Hollywoodbets Scottsville should allow him to unwind and find top gear in the closing 300m and with a bit of luck in running, he should have a useful each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Found form return last time and should have finished closer. Respect.
Thursday 27 February 2020
Vaal Turf
Race 3 – 13:40
1400m – Maiden Plate
13 – Freon
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Jason Gates
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 16 (18 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 50/1
He showed very little on debut and we can only hope that he learnt something from the experience. He appears to be very limited ability wise and if he fails to show any improvement here, we may have to make an early call on his racing career.
Winning Form Comment: Slow into stride on poor debut. Would have gained from the experience. Can improve over the extra furlong.