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Callmegetrix has been tipped to win the Clapham Stakes. (Picture: Wayne Marks). 

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The ultra consistent Callmegetrix could register her fourth career victory when she lines up in the R180 000 Clapham Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. On past collateral form the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix appears to have the measure of her eight rivals, but not by a wide margin and a competitive finish can be expected. Callmegetrix is trained by Candice Bass-Robinson and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe and, from a decent barrier position, she should get the run of the race.

Stable companion Fun Zone is not without a winning chance, but it has been some time since the 5yo mare by Rafeef has found the winner’s enclosure. She seldom runs a bad race but has tended to be a little one-paced in her recent outings. Hampstead Heath is drawn widest of all but does stake a claim for a minor placing. On the evidence of their last run behind Gimmethatpearl, Hamsptead Heath looks well held by Callmemegetrix but as we all know races are not run on paper and it would not be a huge surprise if Adam Marcus’ runner turned the form around.

My Flower Fate has not raced since early November, but she cannot be lightly discounted. She seems at her best over this track and trip and a repeat of her performance in last season’s Ladies Mile, when runner-up behind the useful Time For Love, will see Lucinda Woodruff’s 5yo daughter of Master Of My Fate make her presence felt in a big way. The three-year-old Goodnessgraciousme is difficult to assess. Trained by Justin Snaith, Goodnessgraciousme won her maiden in her penultimate start before finishing unplaced in the Grade 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas in December. Richard Fourie takes the ride and the well-bred daughter of Gimmethegreenlight could be open to significant improvement.

Fellow sophomores Dixieland Band and Polynomial have shown glimpses of above average potential but need to step up on their most recent efforts. School Policy and Oni San complete the 9-horse field and either would be surprise winners. School Policy has yet to score beyond 1400m while Oni San will be having her first start beyond the sprint distances and it’s difficult to know what to expect from the daughter of Danon Platina.

In summary, Callmegetrix gets the vote, with a fair degree of confidence, to take top honours with My Flower Fate, Hampstead Heath and Goodnessgraciousme the immediate dangers.

The sixth race, a Cape B Stakes over 1000m, is one of the better races on this generally low-grade programme and should provide for an interesting contest between Kelp Forest, The Abdicator and Elusive Winter. The race could set up nicely for the hattrick-seeking Kelp Forest who likes to be held up for a late charge. The opposite is the case for The Abdicator and Elusive Winter, both of which like to “blitz” from the start. Elusive Winter found 1100m a touch too far last time but was a good winner over Tenango prior to that. The Abdicator was second behind Tenango in his last start but was conceding Tenango 1,5kgs on that occasion, whereas Elusive Winter was in receipt of 7,5kgs when getting the better of Tenango.

The Abdicator has to concede Elusive Winter 6 kgs on Saturday and, on a line through Tenango, there should not be much to choose between the pair. The Abdicator has his first start for the Piet Steyn stable and one can only assume that the “catch-me-if-you-can” tactics will be deployed. Kelp Forest takes a steep rise in class but is unbeaten since being fitted with blinkers and Fourie is a notable jockey booking. If The Abdicator and Elusive Winter cut each other’s throats, Kelp Forest will be in the perfect position to mow them down. The upset in the race could be the lightly weighted Porque Te Vas and she could be worth throwing into the mix.

The first of nine races, Leg 3 of the Work Rider’s Series, could again see Louis Burke and Luke Coleman finish 1-2, as was the case in the first two legs. In this Maiden Plate over 1100m, Burke rides Wild Applause for the Snaith team and it’s very difficult to oppose the 3yo daughter of Vercingetorix. Coleman is aboard Peanut Pops who came close to landing a huge gamble when runner-up behind Elsinore in a similar contest back in December. But Wild Applause brings stronger form lines into the race and Peanut Pops may struggle to match strides with her. Consideration can also be given to Rosa Osiria and Indebe Mayibuye for minor money, but Burke looks set to complete his hattrick on Wild Applause.