Pacaya was an easy winner of the first leg of the Winter Series (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
We return to the Winter course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday for the final leg of the Winter Series, the R350 000 Pocket Power Stakes (Gr 3) over 1950m. The classy 5yo Trippi gelding Pacaya scored a comfortable victory in the 2nd leg over 1800m on the Summer course three weeks ago, when beating stable companion Rapidash by more than a length, and they meet here again on exactly the same terms. On that basis, Pacaya should again have the measure of Rapidash, but the latter was making eye-catching late headway last time and may get a little closer this time around.
Voorloopertjie is not well treated by the conditions of the race, but the addition of blinkers has transformed the son of Vercingetorix into a very useful galloper and there may yet be plenty of upside. He takes a steep rise in class here, but is in good form and could well take home a minor stake cheque. Flower of Saigon has a chance at the weights but her recent form inspires very little confidence, while the balance of the field all appear safely held on form.
The R200 000 Stormsvlei Stakes (Listed) over 1800m is the supporting feature in which Red Palace and Gold Poker Game get the chance to redeem themselves . Red Palace is best in on ratings but her last two moderate efforts are of real concern. As this will be her third start after a short break, Red Palace should strip very fit and a much better performance could be on the cards. Gold Poker Game was not disgraced in the Ladies Mile three weeks ago and the step-up in trip should be right up her alley. She has always shown very useful ability and is definitely one for the short-list.
Although not necessarily well handicapped, all of Love Is A Rose, Princess Izzy, Rainbow Lorikeet, My Flower Fate and recent Ladies Mile winner, Time For Love, are in terrific form and enjoy competitive chances in what appears to be an extremely open renewal. The Ladies Mile was run on the Summer course with its longer run-in and the switch to the Winter course for Sunday’s Feature only serves to muddy the waters even further. Notwithstanding the fact that the official handicappers’ ratings suggest a two-horse race between Red Palace and Gold Poker Game, current form dictates that punters need to cast their nets a lot wider, as the majority of the field appear to have winning claims.
The Pick 6 opens with a Maiden Plate over 1400m and the recently gelded Song To The Moon may prove the one they all have to beat. He finished a fair third behind Tambourine Man over 1200m two weeks ago and will appreciate the extra 200m from a handy draw. Mr Belvedere, also recently gelded, Monkey Puzzle, Cliff Swallow, Champonelle and Sound Of The Sea all have the form to win a race of this nature, but I am expecting further improvement from Song To The Moon.
My Golly Molly, who won the Langerman as a juvenile last season, when beating the highly rated Hluhluwe, has his first run on the Winter course since that victory in the fifth race over 1400m, and his most recent run suggests that Eric Sands’ runner is coming back to form. Sands holds a strong hand as he also sends out Solomons Seal who has finished second in his last two starts. Solomons Seals is slightly better off with Tyrion Lannister for a narrow defeat last month, and there should not be too much to choose between the pair. From pole position and Richard Fourie aboard, Innamorare is a must inclusion for all exotic bet permutations. Cheeky Laddie and Charlie Croker are not without winning chances, but are drawn widest of all in a 14-strong field and will need more than just a slice of luck.
The sixth race, a modest Class 5 Handicap over 1800m, looks an absolute nightmare for punters but in the ninth race, the final leg of the Pick 6, I am going to bank on the consistent Fly Futura to bring home the bacon. This is a Class 4 Handicap over 1600m and while Fly Futura is only 1kg better off with All About Ronnie for a length defeat last month, Candice Bass-Robinson’s runner is more favourably drawn. Fly Futura has finished third in all three post-maiden starts and is overdue to register his second career victory.
The first of ten races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m, goes off at 11:45 and with nine of the sixteen fillies making their debuts, the betting should be the best guide.
