Picture: Lindbergh has been selected to win the feature at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday (Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
The R200 000 Newlands Stakes for 3yo’s over 1400m tops the bill at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and is billed as the third event on a 9-race programme. A small but quality field will face the starter at 13:35 and trainer Brett Crawford appears to be holding a pair of aces.
He is represented by recent winners Lindbergh and Zil Moris either of which could take home the lion’s share of the purse, but I have a distinct preference for Lindbergh. He is drawn in pole position, receives 4,5kgs from his stable companion and will have stable jockey Louis Mxothwa in the irons. With Solomons Seal likely to go forward Lindbergh should get the run of the race and he seems at his very best over this trip.
Zil Moris came from the clouds to win his last start over track and trip when beating Future Prince and it’s a big plus that Richard Fourie retains the ride. From the widest gate of all, Fourie is likely to adopt similar tactics and the son of Fire Away should be doing his best work at the finish. Eric Sands saddles the Langerman winner My Golly Molly, also a son of Fire Away who is now starting to fire up the winners.
My Golly Molly made an inauspicious start to his 3yo campaign but showed some improvement over 1200m recently when having his first run as a gelding. Having beaten Hluhluwe in the Langerman as a juvenile, My Golly Molly clearly has ability, although it must be borne in mind that the going that day was very much on the heavy side and he may prefer a little cut in the ground.
Lightly weighted Tyrion Lannister could spring a surprise, but Lindbergh gets the vote to come out on top over Zil Moris and My Golly Molly.
Tequila Sky deserves to finally shed her maiden ticket and she could get it right in the fourth race and opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m. She has most to fear from Love Shack and the improving and relatively unexposed Fastnet Filly (Ire) and, while Tequila Sky is my first selection, all three need to be included in Pick 6 permutations. Pilot Flame who made a promising debut last month gets the services of Richard Fourie and is also worthy of consideration.
The fifth race, a Maiden Plate over 1800m, looks wide open with all of Storm Boulevard, Kwite A King and Continental Express boasting winning chances. Etoilefillante and Song To The Moon are also going the right way and should make their presence felt in a race where punters are advised to cast their nets a little wider.
It does not get easier in the sixth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. Hoodia ran below expectations last time but should do better here from a handy draw. Mont Loisir just failed behind weaker last time, but he certainly rates a lively threat despite being drawn towards the outside. Igugulethu and King Of Numbers must be considered along with Prince Of Tibet while Lord Saye (GB) can continue to improve but faces a tough task from the deepest draw of all.
In trying to narrow down the seventh race, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1400m, I am going to put my faith in Wugug and Go Like Flo to confirm their good form coming into this race. Go Like Flo is 2kgs better off for a length beating by Wugug over the course and distance a month ago which suggests there should not be too much to choose between the pair this time around. Glee Club and recent maiden winner Qhawekazi can show further improvement, but I am going to be in the camp of Wugug and Go Like Flo.
Pomodoro’s Jet let us down over 1400m on Derby Day but can make amends in the eighth race, a Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, despite a poor barrier position. Pomodoro’s Jet is unbeaten two-from-two over track and trip and with a bit of luck in running he may be able to keep that record intact. There are many with chances, most notably Blackberry Malt, Gainsford and hattrick seeking Quartermain but on a day when punters are faced with another challenging Pick 6, I am going to throw my lot in with Pomodoro’s Jet.
There is no doubt that the ultra-consistent course and distance specialist, All About Al, sets the standard in the ninth race, a Class 3 Handicap over 1200m. Sean Veale gets aboard All About Al for the first time and I have a feeling that his riding style will suit the Adam Marcus-trained gelding down to the ground. Gimmelightning was a length behind All About Al last time and does pose a threat while all of Axl, Seeking The One, Meu Capitano, Captain Arrow and USA’s Hope must be taken seriously. In short, if you look past All About Al then best you go wide.
