Rollo The Viking is still progressing and can bounce back to winning ways
Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)
Rollo The Viking has had one warm-up for Nathan Kotzen when runner-up to the useful Wild At War and can go one better when he lines up in the Servotech B Stakes over 1400m that heads another competitive ten-race card on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf on Sunday.
The race has attracted a useful field and victory will not come easy. However, Rollo The Viking is down in class and comes off some excellent form over the trip often against much stronger fields. He was touched off by Wild At War last time out over course and distance but the apprentice has been replaced by Muzi Yeni which could make all the difference. Dean Kannemeyer has teamed up Gavin Lerena with Uzwano who has won on gelding twice so knows the horse well which is possibly the reason why stable rider Craig Zackey has stayed faithful to stable companion Kanaal Skater. The three-year-old One World gelding is no slouch in his own right and cannot be written off lightly. The Shepherd is possibly the dark horse. He is talented but often unpredictable. The much quieter surroundings of Ashburton could well see a change of attitude and bring out the best in his first run for Wengi Masawi. Wild At War has a tough draw to overcome although was a beaten favourite last start but is back on turf. Down By The River ran a smart race behind the top class King Pelles last time out. He reverts to a much shorter trip but is in good form.
Red Taffety could get you home for cheap in the first leg of the Place Accumulator. She makes her local debut for Adam Azzie and comes off some useful Cape form and strikes as a likely winner. Danger should be Lilting Song who started favourite in her local debut but found one too good for her on the poly. Back on turf she can make amends. Princess Trippi is another to consider as she has improved with each recent outing and is in with a fighting chance.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a competitive handicap and go wide is the advice. Blind Speed has been dropping in the ratings but has been consistent for Gary Rich. The step up in trip should suit and she has a chance at decent odds. Deepest Water surprised at long odds when shedding her maiden at just her third start but that form has held up quite well and she can follow up in this company. Mississippi Spice was much improved carrying bottom weight at her last two. She got a three-point raise in the handicap but gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle in the form of top class rider Mickaella Michel. Saint Brigid carries top weight but her last win was over course and distance and she can edge Oh My Gucci Girl where a neck separated the pair at the line on the poly.
In the fifth, Psyche finally got her act together when shedding her maiden in comfortable fashion. She is well thought of by the yard and the step up in trip and a handy galloping weight could see her follow up. Sascha’s Dream is never far back and was close-up behind Zena Rose and Fine Wine when last they met over the trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. The trio are on top of each other in the handicap and luck in running could be the difference between the three.
The sixth could see Continental Express home as he stays well and has consistent form. He has a fair weight to shoulder but also the best of the draw. Tobacconist would appear to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners with Sean Veale aboard MJ Odendaal’s gelding who was a close-up fourth behind JP’s Palace last time out and the latter was a game third in the Kings Cup last Sunday. Tee Dog has come good of late and stays the trip while there should not be much between him and High Queue with a length separating them when last they met at the same weights.
The eighth is a highly competitive handicap. Prince Of Troy is lightly raced but has shown promise. He has a money chance in a wide open handicap. My Lucky Charm would appear to be the pick of the Mike and Mathew de Kock pairing although Next Of Kin appears to have the better recent form as he
has some promising post maiden form and Lerena rides from pole position. My Lucky Charm has shown patches of ability on the Highveld and the change of routine could be the key. Dricus was a beaten favourite on the poly last time out after winning over course and distance at his previous outing while Town Crier has a deep draw to contend with but has improved in blinkers and showed up well in a set weights race last time out.
Blue Steel could be one of the better bets on the card. Although a recent maiden winner he won with authority. He has a big weight to shoulder and takes on seasoned older runners but does look progressive and may be under the handicappers radar in spite of his high rating. Should he not run up to expectations then Definitely Yes could step up. He has been a beaten favourite at his last two outings and gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance and can make amends. Kimbal O’Hara has shown some improvement in blinkers and is dropping in the handicap. He goes well over course and distance while Iron Will has come to hand late in life and has crept up in the handicap.
