With a positive showing from most of our runners over the past weekend, we have a few lined up this week where we can expect much of the same and hopefully one or two manage to find the winners’ enclosure. The standout chances come in the form of Spanish Fort, who kicks off the weeks action at Flamingo Park on Monday 23 March. Hollywood Thunder is expected to go very close at Fairview on Wednesday and Strikeitlikeamatch should also be fighting out the finish at the Vaal on Thursday 26th March. See more here.
Monday 23rd March 2020
Flamingo Park
Race 1 – 12:20
1000m – MR 71 Handicap
6 – Spanish Fort
Trainer: Cliffie Miller
Jockey: Diego De Gouveia
Wgt: 56.0kg
Draw: 5 (8 Runners)
Current Betting: 28/10
After a useful comeback run last week when showing his customary speed throughout to finish 2nd, he lines up for his follow up attempt here and he should strip a fitter horse. This will be his third start since dropping to a rating of 68 and he currently looks well handicapped off this mark. With the above in mind, we are expecting him to be involved in the finish once again and hopefully he can go one better this time.
Winning Form Comment: 2nd run after rest. Speedy sort. Found one better in comeback run. Should strip fitter.
Tuesday 24th March 2020
Turffontein Inside
Race 2 – 14:00
1000m – Maiden Plate (Fillies)
6 – Lady Scarletina
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Chase Maujean
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 3 (13 Runners)
Current Betting: 16/1
She was a little disappointing last time out, but it appears that she may have just needed the run. She now has her peak run since that 12 week absence and from a useful draw she will be expected to show significant improvement.
Winning Form Comment: 3rd run after rest. Needed last two starts. Should be cherry-ripe and can improve.
Race 5 – 15:45
1000m – Interbet.co.za MR 80 Handicap
7 – Jozi Hustle
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Warren Kennedy
Wgt: 57.0kg
Draw: 5 (10 Runners)
Current Betting: 8/1
He gave a very good account of himself over the weekend, when showing plenty of speed before tiring late. That was his first run out of the maidens and he lines up for his first effort in handicap conditions here. He has a lot of speed and from a useful draw he should have no problem finding the early lead. The shorter straight on the Turffontein Inside course should suit and he can give another very good impression.
Winning Form Comment: *Carded To Race – 21.03.2020.
9 – Blow Me Down
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Craig Bantam
Wgt: 54.0kg
Draw: 2 (10 Runners)
Current Betting: 12/1
Drawn well for his second run in handicap conditions, he should be suited to the good early tempo that will be set by the stable companion. If he is able to find a clear passage in the closing stages, he will be making up a lot of ground and he should have a fair chance at finding the first 4 places.
Winning Form Comment: Is held by number 6 on moderate post maiden effort. Good draw will help.
Wednesday 25th March 2020
Fairview Poly Track
Race 1 – 13:00
1300m – Maiden Plate (Fillies and Mares)
1 – Hollywood Thunder
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Warren Kennedy
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 4 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 2/1
She has finished runner up in her last five starts and her consistency certainly cannot be questioned. She now steps up to the 1300m from another useful draw and going on her last two starts, she should enjoy the extra. She seems to be settling a lot better in the early stages, before making up ground in the latter parts of her runs. With a decent pace expected, she should give another very good account of herself and deserves plenty of respect.
Winning Form Comment: Runner-up in last five starts. Back up in trip. Merits healthy respect.
Thursday 26th March 2020
Vaal Turf
Race 8 – 17:30
1200m – MR 72 Handicap
11 – Strikeitlikeamatch
Trainer: Barend Botes
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Wgt: 57.0kg
Draw: 5 (18 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 12/1
Drawn wide last time out, he did well to box on in the closing stages for just a 2-length defeat in third. Having dropped 7-points in his last 6 starts he is fast approaching a mark where he should pick up another win. S’manga Khumalo takes the mount this time and he will be expected to fight out the finish once again. He gets a useful each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Right behind Number 17 in latest, big threat.