We are back in the swing of the weekly action in advance of a very welcome long weekend that lies ahead.
The biggest standout at the four meetings programmed will probably be the debut of Justin Snaith’s R4 million Frankel gelding, General Franco, who steps out for his first run at Kenilworth on Tuesday.
Justin Snaith will likely have the Langerman as the Klawervlei bred galloper’s short-term target, although after Captain Of Stealth’s authoritative performance at Durbanville on Saturday, the opposition are likely to be running for cover.
The Snaith comments that GENERAL FRANCO is a very nice type and that they are expecting a decent run are very encouraging. But we can never underestimate the other newbies that make their first appearance and these include progeny of Var and Soft Falling Rain. So watch the betting!
The best bet on the balance of the card could be the once well-performed 2yo ANCESTRY, who relished the staying test last time to finally register a well-deserved second career win. The son of Oratorio goes 2500m in the seventh and will be a popular banker to follow up on that success.
The week’s roster commences at Flamingo Park today where sunny and pleasantly warm weather is forecast for a typically competitive nine-race programme.
Note that the first is off at 12h20.
Here RUBY AND ROSES can get us out of the gates quickly after showing good pace on her local debut a week ago. WHAT A SEVEN could be her biggest danger.
On Wednesday Greyville hosts eight races on the Polytrack and SILVA’S BULLET immediately catches the eye in the second race.
The Dean Kannemeyer team have found good form in recent weeks and back on the all-weather, the highly-regarded 3yo Silvano gelding must go close to escaping the maiden ranks.
But the rampant Hollywood Syndicate have been enjoying a dream run and their WHITE CEDAR has been thereabouts in all his starts to date and this time around he has been fitted with the set of blinkers, which could make the difference here. FINAL ASSEMBLY looks the obvious danger.
See all the Hollywood Syndicate comments below!
The Irish Flame filly BELTHER should put it all together in the third race. The Alistair Gordon-trained filly has been edging closer, enjoys the mile, has a good draw and a top pilot in Lyle Hewitson. There don’t look to be too many excuse options!
The eight races at the Vaal on Thursday are all competitive but it may be worth considering Joey Ramsden’s AU REVOIR in the second race. Her first run in Gauteng was a promising one after a two-month break and she looks good enough to win.
The consistent DANZA runs in the fifth and he is a horse who is always thereabouts. His last win was a course-and-distance beating of the top-class Mardi Gras and he could make it into the winner’s enclosure.
The Hollywood Syndicate’s SEVENTH SON is getting closer and closer as he drops further in the ratings and the headgear appears to have played a role in that. He runs in the eighth and may be a worth quartet kicker inclusion if things go his way.
Just a reminder that the first entries for the Vodacom Durban July are due by Wednesday 17 April. That will inevitably provide more definition to our ante-post betting market.
Have a great week of winners.
Till next time.
Wednesday 17th April 2019
Greyville Polytrack
Race 2 – 13:25
1400m – Maiden Plate
2 – White Cedar
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Lyle Hewitson
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 7(10)
Predicted Betting: 16/10
He has been thereabouts in all his starts to date and this time around he has been fitted with the set of blinkers, which should make the difference here. As in his last few starts, he will be in a handy position once again and the blinkers should keep his mind on the job when it matters most. Final Assembly looks the main danger, but he has already had 14 chances at winning his maiden. He nevertheless must be respected.
Winning Form Comment: Good last two runs over this trip when utilised front running tactics.
Race 8 – 17:00
1000m MR 66 Handicap
11 – Alphamikefoxtrot
Trainer: Darryl Moore
Jockey: Eric Ngwane
Wgt: 52.0kg
Draw: 6(11)
Predicted Betting: 14/1
He is definitely not a horse laden with ability, but he has a fair record at this course and he has plummeted in the ratings since his handicap debut in early January. He seems to perform better with the blinkers fitted and drops down in class for this run today. From a decent draw, he could be upset material for this in-form stable. But it does look competitive.
Winning Form Comment: Needs to improve handicap formline.
Thursday 18th April 2019
Vaal Racecourse
Race 8 – 17:25
1000m – MR 66 Handicap
11 – Seventh Son
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Luke Ferraris
Wgt: 54.5kg
Draw: 3(18)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
He is going closer and closer as he drops further in the ratings and the headgear appears to have played a role in that. He is a horse that needs everything to be in his favour and likes to be left alone for as long as possible in a race. Luke Ferraris takes the ride and he too could present a bit of a potential upset. However he does look held by the 3 on that last run.
Winning Form Comment: Fair C&D record & can utilise his early pace.
