Andrew Harrison

MJ Odendaal looks to hold all the aces in the fourth at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today but although he saddles four of the seven runners, it may not be that cut-and-dried.

That said, Shavout is likely to start a warm favourite. Odendaal has always had high regard for his charge and Shavout’s only poor run was in The Dingaans where nothing went to plan.

He has shown strong form in good company of late, third to Crown Towers in The Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and a two-length third to the smart filly She’s A Keeper in the WSB 1900.

More recently he was a touch unlucky behind Fight Song, at Hollywoodbets Greyville, not doing himself any favours.

He stretched Anton Marcus’s arms but did look the winner as he hit the front two furlongs out. However, he had no answers to the late challenge from Fight Song.

He has earned a big weight but looks the part in this field.

Stable companion Wildlife Safari showed welcome signs of returning to form last start and with apprentice Wiseman Njokwe claiming his 4kg, the gelding only has 48kg to shoulder and may well be used as the hare.

Time Taker, who has also come good in blinkers, goes well this course and could be a threat.

Gareth van Zyl is having a good run of late and can start the meeting on a winning note where he saddles Ancient Epic. She gave the starter’s assistants a difficult time last start but showed good pace before being run out of it late. Prior to that she was touched off by Maquette who has subsequently franked that form.

Leopard Lady and Poppy Of Bayeux are both in good form and will make a race of it.

The second has many first timers in a field with thin form so keep an eye on the betting. Of those that have run, Proud Master showed up well on debut on this course and with the stable hitting form any market support must be taken seriously.  The Brief made a good enough debut over course and distance when running on late. That experience should count. Forest Phoenix is battling but goes well this trip and some give in the ground should suit.

The one-eyed Geronimo takes on many well-bred first timers in the third and was most disappointing last run. But he has shown some useful form over course and distance and can do better this time around. Napoleon is a smartly bred first timer from a strong stable as is Venerable and it should pay to keep an eye on the market.

The fifth could rest between African Skyline and Command Control.

African Skyline won well first run out of the maidens for Garth Puller and has improved with each outing. He should enjoy the step up in trip and can follow up. Shane Humby saddles Command Control who is lightly raced but is smart on his day and should make a bold bid. Walton Hall and The Bayou are others to consider.

The sixth is a tricky handicap. Umkhomazi has been taking on stronger at recent outings. She has drawn a touch wide but should have a strong chance in this field with a 4kg claimer up. Star Choice has gone close at her last two on the poly but must still have a big chance. Maidens Prayer has been a touch disappointing but the stable has hit form of late and the switch to the turf can suit.

October Song, backed as if the result was already known on debut, found one too good for her in Kitten’s Adventure. There were no mistakes from October Song at her next outing which bodes well for Gary Rich’s filly in the seventh.

Biggest threats could come from Sav’s Star who has been tumbling down the ratings but showed signs of life when close-up last time out, and Danse Milord, having her first outing for her new stable after two useful efforts in feature company.

The last is another difficult handicap. Camora has taken on solid company first two out of the maidens and must have a strong chance. Straight Six did well from a difficult draw last run but he is lightly raced and goes very well on the turf. With a 4kg claimer up he may be the one to beat.  Purple And Green returns from a lengthy break but has shown ability while So Var is an old campaigner. His best recent form has been on the ploy but not out of it here. High Velocity and Lunacam are others to consider.