Saturday’s see a local double-header of meetings - a tough eight-race card at
Kenilworth and what looks to be a somewhat easier nine-race programme at
Turffontein where Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock sends out a potential exotic banker.
Mike saddled the improving La Moohal to an easy win on Thursday, the stable remains in good form. He also noted in this column last week, that, “whatever beats Gimme A Nother will win” – and she won easily. To get confidence from the coalface always helps punters, even when it comes to odds-on shots.
Mike has two excellent form runners and a first-timer at Turffontein on Saturday and, again, there is confidence about his short-priced favourite in Marauding Horde (Race 6, 1800m). Mike said: “He was a little unlucky over 1600m last time, he got too far back in the race and ran on too late, so the extra 200m will suit him well. I don’t like labelling my runners, but Marauding Horde is a nice type of horse. He should go close here.”
Volare E Mambo (Mambo In Seattle) is bred to stay and having raced so nicely up to 1400m should give form students some confidence that she’ll enjoy the 1800m of Race 5. Mike commented: “Her pedigree shows she’ll get better the further she goes. She stayed on nicely last time. But there are a few fillies against her who also have chances on form so ours is best supported eachway. She has a money chance.”
Rowyaana (Race 3, 1160m) is a newcomer by Silvano, racing in a small field which includes four other debutantes. Mike said: “Rowyaana will be better over further than this, she will need the run first time out.”
Here are some pointers to Kenilworth and Scottsville:
Racing is hugely competitive at Kenilworth, but punters should get out of the blocks fast. Trainer Vaughan Marshall has already sent out two juvenile winners by leading freshman sire One World this season. A third, World Of Pleasure, looks ready to win in Race 1 over 1100m. She was backed on her debut and was just run out of it late by highly regarded juvenile, Banff. With the experience behind her, she’ll be hard to beat this time.
Kwite A King (Race 4, 1800m) had his form well franked when Two A Penny won at this track on Tuesday and will be a popular choice, but include Dean Kannemeyer’s runner Continental Express, who has improved with every run and is likely to play a role in the outcome of this race.
Race 5, over 2200m, is the first of two R155,000 handicaps on the day. Brett Crawford’s five-year-old, Sudden Song, has only won two races from 24 starts, but he’s often finished right up close to quality runners including Durban July hopeful Mucho Dinero, Coronation Time and Baratheon. With his rating down to a handy 75, Sudden Song has only 52,5kg to shoulder here. With the additional benefit of a good draw, he has a chance of turning the tables on his recent conquerors Natyam and Marshall Field, to post a long overdue third career success.
Kannemeyer’s stable jockey Craig Zackey travels to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday to ride former Zimbabwe-based gelding, Down To Business in the umThombothi Stakes over 1950m at Scottsville. The in-form Zackey produced well-timed finishes to win three Graded races on Cape Met Day and his patient style is likely to suit this useful five-time winner, who has run on steadily in his two local starts for trainer Peter Muscutt and should be cherry ripe. His likely dangers are Bella Sicome and Cape Eagle.
Place your tote bets via the
Betway Tote portal and we’ll pay your 6% tax back at month-end
Bet on horse racing with Betway
Whether it’s international or local events, specific races or favourite horses, you’ll find a full list of race fixtures with Betway. Get in on
horse racing today and place your bets on at Betway.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.