Andrew Harrison

Although the rampant looting appears to have subsided, there are still fears that the unrest may flare up again over the weekend. As a precaution and because of other logistical difficulties Gold Circle have made contingency plans and moved tomorrow’s scheduled meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville to Hollywoodbets Greyville turf.

The change of venue will see many scratchings so punters are advised to keep up to date with the changes before placing their bets.

Hopefully sanity prevails and racing takes place tomorrow where Sir Michael and Shavout can bring some cheer to beleaguered punters.

Dean Kannemeyer pitted Sir Michael against Do It Again in a Pinnacle Stakes were all was in favour of Justin Snaith’s gelding.

Admittedly it was a warm-up for the subsequent Vodacom Durban July fourth-placed finisher but for a horse that had won and finished close-up in Gr1 contests over the distance he looked to be something of a shoo-in.

As it turned out, Richard Fourie had to pull out all the stops on the odds-on favourite to collar Sir Michael on the line and save a myriad of exotic bet tickets.

However, even taking into account that Do It Again was probably in need of a serious blow-out, it was still a top performance by Sir Michael who faces nothing of that calibre in the seventh, a handicap over a mile.

One always needs to take note of runners from the Sean Tarry yard, whether they have current form or no, but Rock The Globe has been in good form on the Highveld and not far behind useful stable companion Putontheredlight last time out.

It’s been a long time between drinks for Rock The Globe but his merit rating has dropped from a career high of 106 to his current mark of 89 and he has hardly been out of the money since his last success.

Ralph The Rascal has been a little costly to follow but is seldom far back. He was narrowly beaten last run, goes well this trip and makes his Scottsville debut which could bring out the best in him.

Judging by jockey bookings, Tonightsfightnight looks the pick of Dennis Drier’s pair. He won well last run over 1200m and steps up in trip. His recent form has been on the poly but he has a light weight and will be a factor.

MJ Odendaal has always had high hopes for Shavout and took him up to Turffontein for the Dingaans. It did not work out for Shavout who ran no sort of race, finishing tailed off behind Catch Twentytwo. He hasn’t made it back to the winner’s enclosure since but he has been racing in the top echelons finishing third behind Crown Towers in The Sledgehammer and in a similar position behind star filly She’s A Keeper in the WSB 1900.

If he holds form, he should prove way too good for is rivals in the sixth with his light weight. Karoo Lark has finally found form and was narrowly beaten by Look For Hounds last start. However, he is now 2.5kg better off with his rival this time around and should be able to turn the tables although it should still be a close rivalry as Look For Hounds found his best form and steps up in trip.

News Stream has been a little off form of late but has the benefit of a good draw and will go close on his best effort.

Dark horse could be Donald McDonald. Gavin van Zyl’s gelding is no slouch but has not been out since December last year and would probably prefer it a touch further but if anywhere close to his best he will make them all gallop.

In the opening leg of the Pick 6 Sea Of Tranquillity found strong market support last run and could have finished a little closer after finding traffic close home. She is back over a sprint but appears to have come to hand and the stable is in mustard form of late. Baby Africa found form when starting at long odds and returning to a sprint. Sting Ray raced in feature company at her second start. She finished well beaten but had the worst of the draw. There was a lot to like about her debut effort and one can expect some improvement.  Ride The Lightning and the battling Fateful Mistress are others to consider.

In the fifth, Diamond Girl is entered to run on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Monday so it will be interesting to see which engagement Dennis Drier chooses. She enjoyed the extra last run when finishing stoutly and she looks capable in this field. The two obvious dangers are Indomavel and Cordobesa.

Indomavel has drawn wide but goes well this trip and was only run out of it late last start while Cordobesa was in with a shout until the final 50m last start when the short-priced favourite prevailed. She has also drawn wide but must have a decent chance.

Tarry saddles Dubawi Princess in the eighth. She goes well this trip and has been in good form of late. Irish Belle is quick although her best recent form has been on the poly but she goes well this trip. Hilarity is an English import making her local debut but has not been out since October last year. The betting should tell a story. Flashy Kaitrina was out-classed in the Garden Province but is better over this trip and should not be written off lightly.

In the last, a difficult handicap, Naval Secret has his first run for a new stable. He had some useful Cape form before being tried in blinkers and they come off. Blaze Of Silk is a course specialist and way better than his last run.  Bernie’s Dream may just have been short of a run last time out while Greenlighttoheaven has been disappointing but is back over what may prove a more suitable trip.