Picture: Tyrion Lannister goes for a hattrick (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
The Cape Turf Club Syndicates Class 3 Handicap over 1400m heads the 9-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday 30 March and the much-improved Tyrion Lannister will be seeking to round off a hat-trick of victories for trainer Piet Botha and the Dare to Dream Racing Syndicate.
In his penultimate start over the track and trip Tyrion Lannister beat Fibonacci by nearly a length and now meets Vaughan Marshall’s runner on 5,5kgs worse terms which should be more than enough for Fibonacci to turn the tables on Tyrion Lannister. But in the their most recent encounter Tyrion Lannister finished comfortably clear of Fibonacci, suggesting that Tyrion Lannister is a very much on an upward curve. But that most recent race was over 1600m and Fibonacci may be more effective over today’s 1400m and it would be unwise to completely ignore his chances.
Cheeky Laddie, Aspect, Magic Verse and Hat’s Pride are worthy of respect. Cheeky Laddie is gradually dropping to a mark off which he could be competitive while Aspect has been in terrific form and has won his last three starts over this course and distance. From pole position and with just 54kgs to shoulder, Aspect can be expected to make another bold bid for top honours. Hat’s Pride has run against some of the best around but may find it tough to concede weight all round.
In summary, Tyrion Lannister appears to have a touch of class and is given the benefit of the doubt to land his fifth career victory in a competitive heat but he is unlikely to have matters all his own way. JP van der Merwe has ridden Tyrion Lannister in his last three starts, but he is contractually obliged to ride Magic Verse and Grant Van Niekerk rides the 3yo son of Royal Mo for the very first time.
The first race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1200m, is due off at 12:05 and the well-bred Artiste is expected to show good improvement on her promising debut. Interestingly though, Louis Mxothwa, who usually has the choice of rides for the Brett Crawford yard, is aboard the stable companion Sweetsummerlove on debut and any market support for the daughter of Querari must be respected.
The Bipot gets under away in the second race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, and Eight On Eighteen will be the popular choice. He finished second on debut four weeks ago and on the evidence of that form the Justin Snaith-trained son of Lancaster Bomber should have the measure of the Greg Ennion-trained Surge Of Power who was more than two lengths adrift of Eight On Eighteen. Ennion also saddles Late December who caught the eye when third on debut behind O’Tenikwa.
Charlotte Bronte, half-sister to the Champion Charles Dickens, is gradually finding her feet and she should give a good account of herself in the third race, an Open Maiden over 1400m. Tom’s Diner, Congressman and Tsunami Waring are the immediate dangers while Golden Grey should be considered for Trifecta and Quartet permutations.
Enchanting Choice was a convincing winner of her last start when allowed to dictate the gallop and could follow up in Race 5, a Class 4 Handicap (F&M) over 1600m. She has more to do at the weights this time but could again hold Philosophise and Hampstead Heath if similar tactics are employed, as I feel she won rather more easily than the official margin suggests. Enchanting Choice was only raised 3 rating points for that victory and must hold a strong chance of going back-to-back. Among The Clouds has improved in her last two starts and is another for the short-list.
The sixth race is a very competitive Cape C Stakes over 2200m and nothing in particular stands out. Marshall Field has been priced up favourite in the ante-post market and he should give his supporters a good run for their money but there are many in the 10-strong field with winning claims, including recent maiden winner Heliotrope.
Radicchio has been in fine form of late and could register his third consecutive success in the seventh race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1400m. Richard Fourie takes the ride and will no doubt give him every chance but keep an eye on Steadfast and War Chariot. Steadfast, who beat the talented Coastal Commander when shedding his maiden ticket, is dropping rapidly in the ratings and could prove to be the “lurker” in the pack. Slurricane and Sooty are not without winning chances in another competitive handicap.
The eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1100m, could be fought out by the two Khaya Stables’ runners, Explosive Speed and Speed Racer, the former trained by Dean Kannemeyer and the latter by Brett Crawford. Speed Racer is slightly preferred while others to consider are recent course and distance winner, Mighty Mac, along with Kaapse Klopse, The Tinkerman and Dragonfly. On best form Bluff On Bluff and Benjamin could surprise but they would both likely benefit from a little give in the ground and no rain is forecast.
Girl Like Us and Great Cat make most appeal in the final race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1200m, but the booking of Fourie for Ticket To Vegas is significant and perhaps Ricky Maingard’s filly must be added to the short-list of potential winners. Mia’s Harper has been very disappointing of late but she could show sudden improvement and make her presence felt – perhaps she also needs kinder going to be most effective.
