Gladatorian, William Robertson to dominate

Two of the best around will be in action at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Gladatorian is back after a smashing second behind 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July hero Winchester Mansion in the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode Charity Mile and should be hard to beat in Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1750m.

The other best bet and banker, William Robertson, is also in fantastic form and should again teach the locals a thing or two in Race 6, another Pinnacle Stakes but over 1200m.

Gladatorian has a cracking record at this venue, having won four out of eight starts at Scottsville, and he is the best weighted runner by at least 3.5kg.

The Stuart Ferrie-trained gelding’s recent form is out of the top drawer. He finished fourth in the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m before running on from just about last to get within 0.75 lengths off Winchester Mansion in the Charity Mile. That form should be too good for the company he meets.

Interestingly, Celtic Beauty ran 1.90 lengths behind See It Again last time but that was a false-run affair, and she will have her work cut out at the weights. Natyam is proven over distance and could give Gladatorian something to think about, especially if the pace is not on. But he is dropping in distance and will need to sharpen up at the right time.

Trained by Corne Spies, Highveld raider William Robertson has dominated the locals before at this venue. He is not far off the best around and as a result comes in best weighted in these Pinnacle races.

Amazingly in his penultimate start he finally beat champion sprinter Lucky Lad who has thrilled anyone who is involved in South African horseracing with his devastating turn of foot.

Straight after, the gelding finished second to another star in Dyce, whom he had beaten as a youngster. It all points to him being at the top of his game and as he is five points best in at the weights should be a hard nut to crack as well. Past him, however, it is a good field and quite open.

This meeting also marks the start of the juvenile races (Race 1) in the region. It could pay to follow trainer Mike Miller who is a dab hand with two-year-olds. But the betting market is actually a great guide as to the best of the youngsters.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 2 Holds The Key, 3 Siesta Sunset, 5 Warofdynamite, 6 Black Frost

Race 2: 9 El Capitan, 2 Captainship, 8 Magma Magic, 3 River Dance

Race 3: 2 Art Nouveau, 7 Yellow Jacket, 10 Fate Decreed, 1 Our Lady Fate

Race 4: 1 Gladatorian, 7 Celtic Beauty, 8 Natyam, 3 Navajo Nation

Race 5: 10 Captain's Christy, 1 Vision To Achieve, 3 Russian Doll, 9 Convocation

Race 6: 15 William Robertson, 9 Quasiforsure, 10 Formagear, 11 Sun Blushed

Race 7: 4 Mascherina, 1 Bevies Delight, 6 Querari Rose, 2 Warrior Royale

Race 8: 6 Lucrative, 4 Beautiful Rania, 2 Poursomesugaronme, 3 Mississippi Spice

BEST BET

Race 4: No 1 Gladatorian

VALUE BET

Race 5: 10 Captain's Christy

BEST SWINGER

Race 2 2x3

BIPOT

R64

Leg 1: 2, 3

Leg 2: 2, 9

Leg 3: 2, 7

Leg 4: 1

Leg 5: 1, 3, 9, 10

Leg 6: 9, 15

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R108

Leg 1: 2, 9

Leg 2: 2, 7

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 3, 10

Leg 5: 15

Leg 6: 1, 4, 6

Leg 7: 2, 4, 6

PICK 6

R1890

Leg 1: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10

Leg 4: 9, 10, 15

Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Leg 6: 2, 4, 6

JACKPOT 1

R126

Leg 1: 1

Leg 2: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10

Leg 3: 9, 10, 15

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

JACKPOT 2

R378

Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10

Leg 2: 9, 10, 15

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Leg 4: 2, 4, 6