After a fair debut, Western Cape colt GRINKOV has only run in tough features and has run some crackers. He is bred for more ground but could still make a sparkling local debut. Another Western Cape colt, WINNING SINGLE, has run two seconds in his hometown and should figure it out shortly. He could have bigger fish to fry. AZTEC WARRIOR looked dangerous when second to well-supported Gladatorian and has drawn well. A well-bred sort he may keep on improving. TWIN STRIKE and WITHOUT QUESTION need to be considered for minor money. First-timers to consider as well.

 

Top Tip: GRINKOV (7)

Watch out for: WINNING SINGLE (9)

 

R2 – www.tabgold.co.za Maiden Plate (F & M)

AMARANDI was expected to win either of her last two but didn’t run to her best at Greyville. She was eye catching at this track and can open her account from draw No 1 after a rest. MILKTART was all at sea on debut on the Greyville poly but acquitted herself well behind more experienced rivals. She can only improve along with CINNAMON BLUSH who was eye catching on the turf at Greyville. Both should keep on progressing but have drawn towards the outside at Scottsville. RUN AGAIN was a bit disappointing over ground last time but could bounce back over the sprint trip.

 

Top Tip: AMARANDI (1)

Watch out for: AUTUMN SPIRIT (2)

 

R3 – Track & Ball Gaming Maiden Plate (F & M)

Highveld filly HYDRANGEA was fourth in a decent form race three runs back and if repeating that could make a winning local debut. SEXY SHIRAZ and LA DREAMER stayed on well behind a Highveld male who romped home. The pair could fight it out but the former has the better draw this time. LUCK OF THE IRIS and AMBLE INN have run their best races at this course and it should also get tight between these, although AMBLE INN has a much better draw. More with similar claims but ALABAMA SKY has run two good seconds in a row and that may decide a weak but competitive contest.

 

Top Tip: SEXY SHIRAZ (1)

Watch out for: HYDRANGEA (3)

 

R4 – www.galloptv.co.za Fm 74 Handicap (F & M)

SIEGE OF ORLEANS has done well since shedding her maiden tag. She ran two good seconds in a row and it can be argued she could have won her last start were it not for her bad draw. SNOW PALACE was holding form before battling wet ground last time and is overdue. ELECTRIC SURGE has also dropped in the ratings and it must be remembered she was second in the KZN Oaks at this venue. She can finally score. NAME OF THE GAME, stablemate HEARTSEASE and CRUSADE TO ROYALTY need to be respected as well, but hat-trick seeking CAPETOWN BEAUTY is on the up and rates the one to beat.

 

Top Tip: ELECTRIC SURGE (1)

Watch out for: SNOW PALACE (2)

 

R5 – Kings Cup (Listed)

SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI may not be best in at the weights but he is improving and the form of his feature-race win is proving super strong. There have been four winners from that form line and he could add another feature win to it. NATIVE TONGUE followed up on some high-class feature form in the Western Cape with a gutsy performance in the Fairview Mile. He has won a Listed race in KwaZulu-Natal and has also won at this venue. PRICELESS RULER needed his last races which were too short. He could be the surprise package from draw No 2. GENTLEMAN’S WAGER and CAT DADDY are capable of scoring as well.

 

Top Tip: LOVE BOMB (4)

Watch out for: SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI (5)

 

R6 – Umzimkhulu Stakes (Grade 3) (3 Year-Old Fillies)

SUPREME QUEST would be deserving. She has not let her side down running in features and was a creditable fourth in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas last time. However, MERCURY RISING was fourth in the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and has drawn better in this. SASHAY AWAY rates the dark horse. She won a handicap in her first run after a rest, looks to have improved with maturity and could be up to Grade 3 level. BOLD ACT didn’t shine in her last two but has beaten SUPREME QUEST in good style is definitely one to watch out for. KAILENE is also capable.

 

Top Tip: MERCURY RISING (3)

Watch out for: BOLD ACT (4)

 

R7 – Byerley Turk (Grade 3) (3 Year Olds)

Promising males on display. After finishing fourth in the Grade 1 SA Classic SUPER EXCITED is the one to watch. However, this is a tough track and he is dropping in distance. But along with WILLIAM ROBERTSON may actually be most effective over it. The latter has beaten SUPER EXCITED over the distance and is better than his last two over further. SAFE RETURN is versatile and in good form. He could take advantage of a decent draw and get first run on this field. WATERBERRY LANE has won some fantastic races and could finish best if ready. NEVER ENDING RAIN and SILVER FALCON have also drawn wide.

 

Top Tip: SAFE RETURN (3)

Watch out for: WILLIAM ROBERTSON (6)

 

R8 – Kwazulu-Natal Stakes (Listed) (Fillies And Mares)

Decent fillies prepping for bigger events and a thriller is expected. FULL VELOCITY has high-class form and may have needed it when beaten by star Big Burn in a Grade 3 last time. If she doesn’t mind the drop in trip she can score. FAVORITA is best weighted and one to take seriously even though proving a difficult filly to follow. She has gone close at this venue. SEEMYVISION has been a revelation this season and could turn around poor earlier showings. She beat high-class males last time. SOCIAL BUTTERFLY is better than her last try on the poly. More with upset chances in it.

 

Top Tip: FULL VELOCITY (4)

Watch out for: SOCIAL BUTTERFLY (5)

 

R9 – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Mr 69 Handicap

LETABA finally showed best form after dropping in the ratings. He can go one better with a bit of luck. CAVALIERI is racing after quite a long layoff but looks a bit better than his bare one win from 10 starts and has run well in stronger races. CAFE PACIFICA has been tough to follow and he too has dropped in ratings. Having drawn well could arrive at decent odds. HIGH LEGISLATION showed true form when taken to the front last time and may improve further on handicap debut. Highveld raider TRUE BRIT and PHILISPIEL have both shown enough to pick up prizes.

 

Top Tip: CAVALIERI (1)