Scottsville racing tips for April 5
Scottsville plays host to an eight race card on Sunday, April 5, including the WSB Sledgehammer, WSB Scarlet Lady and the WSB Highland Night Cup. This Easter meeting is expected to be run in front of a bumper crowd, but with some weather on the horizon, it could be an afternoon for the swimmers. Below we have assessed the fields and markets and present our free Scottsville racing tips, in what promises to be an entertaining afternoon of South African horse racing.
Race 1
WSB.CO.ZA MAIDEN JUVENILE PLATE (FILLIES)
Mostly first-timers, so the betting should be your best guide. Of those that have run, DE GULDEN (1) showed promise when finishing third on debut in the Cape and, given the strength of the yard, could be the one to beat. ICEBERG ROSE (14) is drawn on the opposite side but caught the eye on debut and should improve. SEI BELLA (11) improved nicely second time out and can feature, while LIZ HURLEY (15) was not far back on debut and should come on with that experience. DE GULDEN has been backed off the map and is as short as 1.20 with South African betting sites.
Andrew Harrison selects: 1-14-15-11
Race 2
WSB 777 STRIKE MAIDEN JUVENILE PLATE
Another race dominated by first-timers. Of those with experience, PREDATOR’S CROWN (11) ran a close second on debut and that form has held up well. BISON WARRIOR (8) improved second up and was only run out of it late. The drop in trip may suit. TOMMY GREANEY (10) raced green on debut but showed promise and should improve. Watch the market. KA CHOW (4) was a distant fourth at long odds on debut but should be sharper for the run.
Andrew Harrison selects: 11-8-10-4
Race 3
WSB CLUB PRIVE MAIDEN PLATE (F & M)
LILTING SONG (2) has finished runner-up in both KZN starts. She was beaten by a useful type last time and the drop in trip could suit. LOLLY WILLOWES (7) brings solid Highveld form and was narrowly beaten last start. With Craig Zackey aboard, she should go well. CHOOKS KISS (10) has a wide draw but is improving steadily and can feature. TIPPERARY (1) is a battling maiden but is seldom far back. The step up in trip and inside draw are positives.
Andrew Harrison selects: 2-7-1-11
Race 4
WSB HOME OF WORLD COINS MAIDEN PLATE
QUARTER MASTER (9) has the widest draw but has shown promise in three starts. The step up in trip should suit. GOOD OMEN (2) has been consistently close up and is overdue a win over this distance. TAYLOR’S VERSION (5) disappointed last start as favourite but gets blinkers back on and can bounce back on earlier form.GOD’S COUNTRY (4) improved sharply last time and could be worth following, especially with market support.
Andrew Harrison selects: 9-2-5-4
Race 5
WORLD SPORTS BETTING HIGHLAND NIGHT CUP
CONTINENTAL EXPRESS (6) has strong course and distance form and should be competitive again. However, he meets CHILL IN THE AIR (9) on 3kg worse terms after their last clash. ROYAL INVITATION (4) comes out of stronger company and was not far off them. He stays well and rates a big chance. PLUM PUDDING (2) is in good form stepping up in trip, while FRENCH TRIP (5) beat Continental Express over shorter last time and remains a threat. SON OF RAJ (8) is out of form but is the class runner and debuts for a new yard.
Andrew Harrison selects: 9-6-4-2
Race 6
WORLD SPORTS BETTING SLEDGEHAMMER (LISTED)
JP’S PALACE (4) was competitive in stronger company last time, taking on the likes of Okavango and King Pelles. In a slightly weaker field, he should go close. I SALUTE YOU (6) returns from the Western Cape after a win but concedes 9.5kg to JP’s Palace, which may prove difficult. BRUH (1) has been consistent of late and, with a light weight and first-time blinkers, could surprise. FIELD MARSHAL (7) was running on last time in his first run back and should strip fitter.
Andrew Harrison selects: 4-6-7-1
Race 7
WORLD SPORTS BETTING SCARLET LADY
ICE RAIN (1) carries top weight but looks well treated. She was narrowly beaten by RAHHABBA (5) last time and meets her 1.5kg better off. LADYOFDISTINCTION (7) was behind that pair last time but had excuses on soft ground and can improve on firmer going. MISS TWINKLE (10) finished third in the same race and is also better off at the weights.
Andrew Harrison selects: 1-7-10-5
Race 8
WSB SLOTS WITH THE BEST D STAKES
A tricky handicap. ARVERNI PRINCESS (2) has been taking on stronger company and has solid form over the trip. JANE’S VISION (6) won over course and distance last time and was only raised slightly in the ratings. She can follow up. CAPPELLINO (3) is 1.5kg better off but was beaten two lengths last time and may struggle to reverse that form. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (9) is ultra-consistent and, despite 63kg, should give another honest effort. PROFESSOR LUPIN (4) is game but appears best on the poly.
Andrew Harrison selects: 2-6-3-9
Race 9
WSB 100 WELCOME SPINS CLASS 4
CITY OF LOVE (6) drops sharply in class and has a strong record over course and distance. Big chance. WHO BLINKED (12) is in form at this track and trip and will be a major threat if he maintains that level. MILITARY COMMAND (5) has been disappointing of late but is capable of better and could surprise. GORGEOUS GUY (2) is usually thereabouts and has place claims.
Andrew Harrison selects: 6-12-5-2
