Jack Milner: The Non-Black Type Fever Tree Stakes over 1500m heads up the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday and this race will prove a real tester for bettors.
Although it is a stakes race as opposed to a handicap, the form is very close and there are a number of potential winners in this field.
Although he is not among the best weighted runners, on form Sniper Shot must be a contender. On paper, Priceless Ruler has the advantage at the weights but based on their run in the recent Christmas Handicap over 1600m at Greyville, there is nothing to choose between the pair.
On that occasion Sniper Shot finished 2.25 lengths behind winner Mount Anderson with another 2.20 lengths back to Priceless Ruler. The latter is now 2kg better off and that brings them very close together.
Sniper Shot has not won a race in 982 days and that does not instil too much confidence in Paul Lafferty’s charge.
However, there are a few factors which could swing things in his favour. Firstly, his merit rating has come down 10 points over the past few months. Secondly, he is nicely drawn at No 2 and finally, Lafferty has engaged Anton Marcus to ride the six-year-old gelding for the first time. Perhaps some “Marcus magic” can bring about a change of fortune.
It is worth noting that Sniper Shot did win this race in 2018.
Priceless Ruler is the obvious danger and Dennis Drier’s charge cannot be left out of any of the exotics.
Sean Veale takes the ride and they jump from barrier No 5.
Another runner to consider is Dean Kannemeyer-trained Williams Land. This four-year-old Trippi gelding ran a great 0.80-length third behind Socrates over 1400m at this course and is another who is close to the other two on form.
He will have to overcome No 10 draw so jockey Keagan de Melo will need some luck.
Jack Milner
Race 1: 7 Uncomplicated, 9 Pacific World, 1 Cordobesa, 4 Song Of Freedom