Following heavy rains at Hollywoodbets Scottsville racing has been moved to Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf
Andrew Harrison
THE eighth is a 97MR Handicap over 1400m where Baby Shooz can turn the tables on Frank Lloyd Wright. Baby Shooz – in spite of his demeaning name – is more than useful and ran a cracker behind Frank Lloyd Wright when returning from an eight-month break. Justin Snaith’s runner found his best form when winning but Baby Shooz was finishing his race in eye-catching fashion and on the evidence of that outing, I am fairly confident of Peter Muscutt’s runner turning the tables.
One that could put a spanner into predictions is Mr Fitz. Shane Humby, well known for the sparing racing programmes for his horses, has had problems sorting a hoof abscess but the gelding was running on well at the sharp end of his comeback run and with stable rider Donovan Dillon back in the irons he should not be left out of any calculations.
Nathan Kotzen, long-time assistant to Mike de Kock, has built up a useful string at his Summerveld base. Star Of Joburg hasn’t lived up to his name but he could become the ‘star of Scottsville’ when he lines up in the ninth on the ten-race card.
The lightly-raced six-year-old has had two outings for his new yard and was close-up behind the more than useful Good Rhythm las time out. It was good improvement on his stable debut and he looks primed for this.
That said, there are a few others in with a shout. Kayson has won three of his five start but got a hefty shunt up the ratings after his last win and the form has not worked out that well. But he is smart and can go in again. Louis Goosen’s veteran Di Mazzio is never far back and is always game. He prefers the poly but can be effective here while Woodstock Festival was badly in need of his last effort. He has been dropping in the ratings and is smart on his day.
The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky affair. Flying Peter was returning from a lengthy break when probably in need of his seasonable debut. He will enjoy the extra given his pedigree. Burning Wings will have plenty of supporters. He has been doing well over shorter but should prefer this trip and from a good draw rates a strong chance. Mondovi is way better than his last effort from a wide draw and the drop in trip and a better draw can see him improve.
If looking to cut down on expenses Emerald Palace and Quepid could fit the bill. Emerald Palace has come on nicely at recent outings while Quepid comes from a very much in form stable and came close to causing an upset last run and a repeat should see her close again. If there is an upset, Choo Ching Chow has shown signs of coming to hand since a lay-off. She should be close to her peak now and can feature prominently.
Giving up on a tote cash-cow can prove disingenuous but Lady Of Lutetia has had plenty of chances. One cannot look past her as a possible winner of the sixth but it may prove better to side with Kom Naidoo’s filly Badrah. She is way better than her last run after going close from a wide draw at her previous start. The step up in trip from a better draw should suit. Lady Of Lutetia has been costly to follow but will get it right at some point. She may be worth another chance although Paul Lafferty thinks she may just need it after a short break.
In the final leg of the Pick 6 Purple Persuasion has improved with each step up in trip and should make a strong challenge but Diamondsandpearls is a quirky but talented mare. She is more than capable on her day but may need a touch further to come into her own.
