Ferryman should go close in Race 7 (Wayne Marks)
Ferryman could provide a boost to his three-parts brother Hawwaam by following up on his maiden win in the 7th at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, although Alistair Cohen prefers Marcus Aurelius. Read Alistair’s preview for the meeting below:
Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)
From the flying yard of Candice Bass, Marcus Aurellius looks like he has found himself improving with every single run. He always showed a bit of promise but as he takes on stronger opposition, he acquits himself better and competitively. With that in mind, he faces the right field when he runs in race 7 over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
One has to be pleased with his last run. He finished 0,4 lengths behind Future Free over 1600m at this course last month and he filled the runner-up berth. Future Free showed his ability when he ran two lengths behind La Pulga in third in the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes at this course last weekend. That was Marcus Aurellius’ first run with blinkers. It was a fair step in the right direction. Three runs back he was fourth behind the rapidly improving Sommerstern who hacked up subsequently at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago.
Those lines of form are huge pointers to the company that Marcus Aurellius has kept. Bass has kept him bubbling in good company and in good heart. Her yard is the most in-form in Cape Town at the moment which enhances confidence. Stable rider Aldo Domeyer is back from a layoff and he is carded to take the ride.
Ferryman moved yards to Eric Sands and he made a note when he won on stable debut. Sands has done wonders with the family being responsible for Rainbow Bridge, Golden Ducat and Foudre. It was a huge move from owner Sabine Plattner and her retained trainer Andre Nel to move the horse to Sands. It worked a charm. The brains behind the decision must be applauded. He could have much more to come and even though this is a fair step up from maiden level, he could have the tools to go on a streak. Craig Zackey is carded to ride. He rode most of those stars from this family.
Rockanrollin is trained by Nel for Plattner and he could be in contention too. He has always hinted as a slow burner who could have some good days to come. He might not have the same ability as those tipped ahead of him but a performance that sees him finish in the Quartet would be a neat effort.
The meeting could start with a good bet. Sparkling Star was a beaten favourite in her last start when finishing third behind Mystic Inferno who had valid excuses for her no show at the start of the month. Sparkling Star has the raced runners stacked so it will take a good first timer to turn her over. She is also from the Bass barn and Domeyer takes the ride.
Domeyer and Bass could strike again in race 2 over 1000m with Blackbird who made a pleasing debut. He finished fourth behind Rich Man’s World over this course and distance in March. He was well beaten. But, think of how impressive Rich Man’s World was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville a few weeks ago. He made a huge impression when he won the Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes. He looks set to run at Grade 1 level later this month. 8,5 lengths behind him is hardly a disgrace. Blackbird also did well to scramble into fourth. He looked hugely green and inexperienced so that run could do him a world of good.
Race 3 over 1400m looks to be wide open with a few winning chances. Hilton Heads is not a confident selection but he leads the list of potential winners. He has crossed the line in fourth in his last three runs so hopefully he is able to step forward but he is relatively lightly raced which could help his cause. He comes from the Andre Nel yard which has found itself in good form lately after a frustrating string of good runs yet no wins. Protector Of Peace, The Big Bang, Whatwillbewillbe, Big Deal and Caesar’s Ransom are all respected.
Many expected Masteronthemoon to win his most recent outing but the trip over 2000m came too soon. Regardless, he still ran with credit when Phantom Man turned him over. He returned from a long break in his penultimate run when he finished strongly giving the hint that he would be hard to topple. He steps back to 1800m in race 4 and this should be the perfect storm for him to strike. Richard Fourie takes the ride for James Crawford. He should be peaking fitness wise. Everything looks to be in his favour.
Bass could be back at it in race 5 over 1600m. Backinthefastlane has brightened up since exiting the maiden ranks and he could turnover his stablemate, Sper Viking. The latter has recently exited the maidens while Backinthefastlane already has an appetite for what to expect at this level, despite the low grade of the event. Interestingly stable rider, Aldo Domeyer has opted for Super Viking. He should be able to ride 59kg of Backinthefastlane. Keep both runners in your plays.
Somebody Somewhere put up a pleasing post-maiden effort last time when she was narrowly beaten by South Of France who was the play of most. She meets Miss Attitude and Peaches And Cream on identical terms and she finished ahead of them both. Somebody Somewhere has given the impression that she has more to offer. Richard Fourie is up for James Crawford in race 6. She should reach 1500m which would be the biggest query.
Black Erika is not a confident top choice in race 8 over 1000m but she has found herself finishing closer and hinting that a win is just around the corner. Craig Zackey takes the ride for Adam Marcus who adds to her cause. Her last start was pleasing when she finished third behind Music Of The Night in a messy event at Hollywoodbets Durbanville over 1250m. Like a few in this race, she is low mileage so she might have some progress in the locker. Gin Palace, Worldcraft, William’s Woman, Pushing Limits, Saachi One and Peace Of Mind are not without hope.
