Rio Querari, a former Equus Champion Sprinter, is now seven years old, but still retains plenty of ability (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
The R250 000 Champagne Stakes (Gr 3) over 1200m heads a ten-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today and the former Equus Champion, Rio Querari, could land his first victory in almost a year. Rio Querari has consistently finished in the money since that last course and distance success back in May 2023 and there is no doubt that he is much more at home over 1200m these days than over the sharper trips.
In the 1200m Diadem Stakes two months ago, Rio Querari was beaten a shade more than a length by Thunderstruck at level weights and a repeat of that effort will see the “old man” go very close here. Since the Diadem, Rio Querari has finished third in his last two starts over 1000m and 1100m and there can be no doubting his current well-being and fitness levels. He meets Winter Cloud and Dance Variety on more favourable weight terms, and it should be a closely fought affair between the three.
But the race does not end there! October Morn is at her best over this track and trip and should prove very competitive while both Questioning and Countdown have the class to take top honours in an interesting renewal of the Champagne Stakes. Café Culture last won over this distance when shedding his maiden ticket in May 2023, when curiously beating Questioning by the better part of a length. Café Culture has won four times since then, his recent form is solid and with just 55,5 kgs to shoulder the 4yo son of Var could make his presence felt in a big way.
But I keep coming back to Rio Querari. I cannot be sure that my heart is not ruling my head, but I would be thrilled to see him win another Graded race and it’s interesting that Bernard Fayd’herbe rides the 7yo gelding for the very first time. I fancy Dance Variety and October Morn to chase him home but have healthy respect for Café Culture, Winter Cloud, Countdown and Questioning.
The Abdicator should record back-to-back victories when he lines up in the eighth race, a Middle Stakes over 1000m. Fourie retains the ride for the Brett Crawford stable and will be seeking to maintain his 100% per cent record aboard the 3yo son of No Nay Never. Between Fourie and Crawford, they have improved the racing manners of The Abdicator, and he is no longer inclined to tear off to the front at breakneck speed. He is certainly able to lead but as witnessed in his last two starts, he is equally capable of being held up for a run. He should prove difficult to beat in this 9-horse field and will be a popular banker for many. Piroshka, Tough Terrain and Icy Blast should follow him home.
The first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m, is due off at 12:20 and Kaiboy will be a warm order to progress from his sparkling debut behind Lion Rampart. With the benefit of that run under the belt, Kaiboy should have the measure of Worldly, but there are many well-bred newcomers including the Nick Jonsson-owned Powerantheglory and the betting will be the best guide to their chances.
Talk To The Master looks the part in the opening leg of the Bipot, a Juvenile Plate over 1200m, while Approach Shot and Connery rate the principals in the first leg of the Place Accumulator, a Maiden Plate over 1000m. Races 4, 5 and 6 are all Open Maidens and these types of races are prone to surprise results.
The fourth race is an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1200m and here the consistent Charlene appears to set the standard. Fourie has opted to stick with Rocking Peonie, who sports blinkers for the first time and, in receipt of 5 kgs from Charlene, the daughter of Captain Of All Is an interesting runner. Lightly raced Future Star has not been seen since September last year but could make a winning return in this class while Spirit Guide can show further improvement and is definitely one for the short-list. On best form, True Horizon can surprise off bottom weight but Charlene is given the benefit of the doubt.
The fifth race, an Open Maiden over 1200m, is a real puzzler but Twentytwentyvision, having his first run as a gelding, must be considered along with Einstein, Stars in Heaven and the lightly weighted Miss Lemonade. Cosmic Rhythm appears to prefer further but could surprise in a weak race.
Sansa Stark, Green Isle, National Disgrace and Saint Brigid make most appeal in the sixth race, an Open Maiden (F&M) over 1600m, and hopefully the winner will emerge from this short-list of four fillies. Sansa Stark is my narrow first choice, but she is well exposed in the maiden ranks and cannot be regarded as a betting proposition.
The ninth race is a typically competitive Class 4 Handicap over 1600m, and Big Unit could be the one to follow. He has a wide draw to overcome but his form suggests he should make a bold bid for top honours. All About Ronnie was a good winner of his penultimate start over this course and distance and he could again have the measure of Le Legionnaire, although there should not be much to choose between the pair. Shavout has his first run since November last year, but he is reportedly doing well at home and must be respected.
The race meeting closes out with a Class 5 Handicap over 1400m and Liketheclappers could finally register the third win of his career. He was runner-up behind Radicchio last month and, from an inside gate, he should again give us a good run for our money. Kebonalesedi and Kelp Forest should be in the mix and the 2yo World of Pleasure is a must for all permutations. He faces a tough task from a wide gate under 60kgs but appears to have a touch of class and could be equal to the task.
