Not only are there feature-bound juveniles clashing in an exciting start to the meeting, but top sprinter William Robertson is back and weighted to impress in the first of the features, the African Holly Stakes, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
The other feature, the Michael Roberts Stakes, should be dominated by Kwazulu-Natal champ Royal Victory who was one of the fastest finishers in the Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup last time out.
Highveld-based trainer Corne Spies has again scared away some of the opposition, this time in Race 6, the African Holly Stakes over 1100m, with Rafeef gelding William Robertson who seems to love raiding Scottsville.
On average merit ratings he appears to be taking on a bit better than he did in his last win, but he is, nevertheless, best weighted and this time has ideally drawn closer to the inside.
Second-best weighted Sun Blushed who at level weights is 10 points inferior based on merit ratings, is a bit of an iron horse himself, but he was beaten 2.90 lengths by Clive Robinson, and is now only 1kg better off so will need luck to finally get on terms with his arch rival.
At a merit rating of 125, Royal Victory is one of the best around in KwaZulu-Natal and in Race 7, the Michael Roberts Stakes, he stands head and shoulders above his field.
He is also best weighted, and he should finally score at Scottsville as this time he races over a more suitable 1750m. His previous four runs were all over distances shorter than 1600m.
Easily the best horse to come from trainer Nathan Kotzen’s yard so far, Royal Victory’s credentials are probably outstanding. He is a winner of the Highveld’s best Grade 1 events and meets nothing of that calibre on Sunday.
Muzi Yeni, who won those two Grade 1s aboard him, will be in the irons once again.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 3 Comic Relief, 6 Siesta Sunset, 9 Captains Envy, 4 Holds The Key
Race 2: 6 Who Blinked, 1 Zena Rose, 9 Our Lady Fate, 12 One Armed Bandit
Race 3: 1 Real War, 6 Top Seed, 3 Emoyeni, 10 Good Living
Race 4: 2 Bristol Hercules, 9 Mvelelo, 10 Royal Swan Master, 4 Officer In Command
Race 5: 3 Bourbon Warrior, 10 Calantha, 5 Connery, 7 Good Traveller
Race 6: 3 William Robertson, 2 Khethiwe's Destiny, 9 Sun Blushed, 1 Hithemhardsunshine
Race 7: 7 Royal Victory, 10 Mary's Greenlight, 6 Celtic Beauty, 4 Imilenzeyokududuma
Race 8: 10 French Trip, 5 Flyingcool, 3 Captain Oliver, 2 Shotgun Willie
Race 9: 2 Lucrative, 1 Go Like Flo, 7 Just Reckless, 5 Spirit Of Levana
Race 10: 9 Ibhele, 10 Andy Coogle, 7 Professor Lupin, 6 Northern Warrior
BEST BET
Race 6 No 3 William Robertson
VALUE BET
Race 10 No 9 Ibhele
BEST SWINGER
Race 1 3x6
BIPOT
R81
Leg 1: 1, 6, 9
Leg 2: 1, 3, 6
Leg 3: 2, 3, 9
Leg 4: 3, 5, 10
Leg 5: 3
Leg 6: 7
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R144
Leg 1: 1, 6
Leg 2: 2, 3, 9
Leg 3: 3, 10
Leg 4: 3
Leg 5: 7
Leg 6: 2, 3, 5, 10
Leg 7: 1, 2, 7
PICK 6
R1120
Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11
Leg 2: 3, 5, 7, 10
Leg 3: 3
Leg 4: 7
Leg 5: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12
Leg 6: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8
JACKPOT 1
R28
Leg 1: 3, 5, 7, 10
Leg 2: 3
Leg 3: 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12
JACKPOT 2
R245
Leg 1: 7
Leg 2: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12
Leg 3: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8
Leg 4: 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11