Danie Toerien
Tuesday’s eight-race card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth sees some very competitive races.
The highlight of the day is Race 3, an A Stakes sprint over 1100m where the average merit rating of the five remaining runners is 101. It is interesting that two runners entered for this event were scratched – Gem King and Meu Capitano. They are rated 115 and 113 respectively and would have been the two highest rated runners in the field.
Both horses are from the stable of Piet Steyn, and were reportedly coughing.
With the pair out of action, any one of the five remaining runners could take it.
Steyn also scratched Endeared from Race 2, as well as Take It As Red from Race 6, for the same reason. That leaves the trainer with only a single runner today, Prince Of Tibet in Race 7.
In Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m, Australian import Rockanrollin showed fair potential on debut. He is bred to enjoy further but could make the improvement needed to score second time out.
Marcus Aurelius could prove to be a big threat. He rolled along nicely to finish just out of the places on debut but should relish the extra distance.
Wish List should escape the maidens in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200. She was beaten in a close call on debut and won’t need to improve much to get her head in front.
Queen Regent suddenly sparked third time out after two mediocre performances and could threaten with JP v’d Merwe back aboard.
In Race 5, a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m, the two juveniles appeal most.
In A Timely Manner and Follow Your Heart, are making their handicap debut.
The former was a winner first time out, while the latter scored his first career after gelding. It could be a close encounter.
Lovers Lane has been knocking hard and deserves a third career win after a number of good performances. The five-year-old gelding lines up in Race 7, a D Stakes sprint over 1100m.
He is in good form and should have every chance, despite giving weight to many challengers.
Tambourine Man scored a double before striding short in his last start. He must be respected on his return after an 83-day break.
In the lucky last, Inside Voice gets the nod as she has produced three gallant efforts, the last resulting in her first career win. The form has been proven and she should be right there in this Class 4 Handicap over 1000m.
This article was originally published on TAB and is reposted here with permission.
