After another successful weekend for the Syndicate, finishing off with 4 runners, 2 winners and 2 places. We reflect on both Seattle Force and Winter Twilight both making into the winners box for the purple and gold. One might also say that Purple Persuasion was a very unlucky loser, going down a short head in the first race on Saturday. She will be back to fight another day. We now turn to this weeks midweek action. We have a number of runners to look out for, some with decent chances. See more here.
Tuesday 4th June 2019
Vaal Classic
Race 2 – 12:45
1000m – Maiden Juvenile Plate
2 – Blow Me Down
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 6(14)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
He gave a solid account of himself on debut, when racing green and finishing in a very respectable 4th place. He will have plenty of improvement to come from that run, now that he has a better idea of what this is all about. Calvin Habib retains the ride and although there is quite a bit of unexposed form and debutantes in the race, he should go close. He presents good each way value.
Winning Form Comment: Finished behind the 4 on debut. More to come.
11 – Syx Shooter
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-1.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg.
Draw: 12(14)
Predicted Betting: 25/1
He showed some improvement last time out and just tired in the latter stages when showing plenty of speed. That was last week and he has taken that run well. We have decided to keep him in this race as he appears to be in a good place at the moment. He still has plenty of room to improve further and we think he should give a very good account of himself this time around. He looks a fair place bet.
Winning Form Comment: Carded to race 2019.05.30
Race 3 – 13:20
1000m – Maiden Plate
5 – Ghuroom
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-1.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 8(14)
Predicted Betting: 12/1
He was well fancied when making his debut under the management of the Mike De Kock stable. Unfortunately and as a surprise to many, he didn’t raise a gallop on that occasion. He has since been purchased by the Hollywood Syndicate and gelded, however his stubborn mentality has persisted. When he wants to, his work at home is eye-catching. However, he rarely has his mind on the job so it will be an educational outing for us to see exactly where we stand with him. If he turns up on the day, you can be sure to see a big run from this son of What A winter.
Winning Form Comment: Poor debut, but has been gelded since.
Wednesday 5th June 2019
Scottsville Racecourse.
Race 2 – 13:00
1000m – Maiden Juvenile Plate
4 – Mighty Smart (Pictured)
Trainer: Paul Lafferty
Jockey: Mark Khan
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 8(10)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
One of the few sons of Archipenko to race in this country, he is a well bred striking grey gelding out of a truly international female line. He put up a solid barrier trial 6 weeks ago and was gelded immediately thereafter. Since then, he has come a long way and we couldn’t be happier with him leading up to his official debut. He should give a very good account of himself first time out and he looks a good place bet.
Thursday 6th June 2019
Vaal Turf Course
Race 2 – 12:35
1200m – Maiden Plate (Fillies)
3 – Captain’s Legacy
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 3(18)
Predicted Betting: 33/1
She has been rather disappointing to date and this may be her last chance to make an impression. Calvin Habib gets the ride this time, as he has a tendency to get troubled horses to settle. We’ll be hoping for some improvement, but she is not a betting proposition at this stage.
Winning Form Comment: Cannot be fancied on current form.
Race 7 – 15:30
1000m – MR 66 Handicap
15 – Seventh Son
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 52.5kg
Draw: 12(18)
Predicted Betting: 12/1
He has continued to drop in the ratings for some time now and appears to be getting closer and closer to the winners box. Calvin Habib retains the ride and if repeating his last start over the 1200m, he should go close over the minimum trip today. It does look to be a very competitive race, but Seventh Son is well handicapped and he should be good each way value.
Winning Form Comment: Looks threatening off current MR this trip.
Race 9 – 16:45
1400m – Maiden Plate
4 – Setablaze
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane (-1.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 12(18)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He made good improvement last time out, when reverting to the straight course after drawing wide in his run before that. He has been doing well at home and if settling just off the pace in the early stages, he should run into contention for the winners box. We make a good each way bet.
Winning Form Comment: Back down the straight and rates a threat this trip. Watch.