Durbanville racing tips, form and preview for August 22
Our Hollywoodbets Durbanville tips, form and preview focus on a competitive eight-race card on Saturday, where African Wild Dog gets an immediate opportunity to redeem himself after burning punters as an odds-on favourite last time out.
African Wild Dog was toppled by It’sgood It’snICE at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth earlier this month, but the Querari gelding gets another chance in the opener. This will be his first start at Durbanville and Serino Moodley has options from a favourable draw of three on a horse capable of racing handy or being conserved for a finish.
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Justin Snaith and Moodley also combine with Landman in Race 2, another runner on a retrieval mission after being beaten at short odds last time. The three-year-old endured a torrid run after fly-jumping, hitting the gate, pulling and racing wide before finishing fourth behind Rachettu. The move up to 1600m should suit him much better, although Havoc and the consistent Waterfront provide serious opposition.
Race 3 shapes as one of the most competitive races on the card, with Clark Griswold, Miami Ssummer, Blind Date and In A Timely Manner all holding strong claims. Later, Race 6 presents another difficult puzzle, while the finale for fillies and mares sees Lady Veritas attempting to confirm recent form with Boozy Susie, who meets her better at the weights this time.
Below is our free form analysis and racing tips for all eight races at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.
Race 1
Hollywoodbets Durbanville Welcomes You Mdn Plate
AFRICAN WILD DOG (3) must have a big winning chance after travelling like the winner before finishing second behind IT’SGOOD IT’SNICE on August 5. The drop back in trip should suit and he looks hard to beat from a good draw. RABDAN (7) returns from a break after being gelded and, although disappointing at his latest start, should be competitive on his best form if ready to fire fresh. THE BIG BANG (2) is ideally drawn and has produced his best racing over the sprint trips, making him one to watch closely. TEQUILA TANGO (4) produced a fair debut behind MY BONNY BOY and should improve with that experience. Also keep an eye on well-bred newcomer VIVA ASTERIX (14), although his wide draw makes his debut assignment considerably tougher.
Our tip: 3-7-2-4
Race 2
Lucky Fish Lucky Break Mdn Plate
HAVOC (1) stayed on strongly for second behind ROYAL INFLUENCER on July 25 and the form from that race has worked out well. The step up in trip looks ideal and, from a good draw, he should go very close to winning. LANDMAN (7) was beaten at skinny odds last time after being dropped out to last early before doing some good work late for fourth behind his stable companion. He should relish the step up in trip and warrants plenty of respect despite the tricky draw. WATERFRONT (4) finished like a train for third behind WARRIOR OF DESTINY on August 12 and should be competitive again provided this run has not come too soon. GROOVE MASTER (5) has produced two fair efforts in succession and could sneak into the placings with further improvement.
Our tip: 1-7-4-5
Race 3
Lucky Fish Magic Mile Middle Stakes
CLARK GRISWOLD (1) only got going once the race was effectively over when finishing strongly for second behind MIAMI SUMMER on July 14. The yard thinks highly of this gelding and he should go close from a favourable draw. MIAMI SUMMER (2) received a three-point ratings increase for his good Hollywoodbets Durbanville victory on July 14 and should be cherry ripe for this assignment. He is capable of winning again from a neat draw and must be included in all bets. BLIND DATE (7) returns from a 62-day break after being given a great ride by Andrew Fortune to score on June 21 and, with some luck in running, should again be right in the finish. IN A TIMELY MANNER (4) rarely runs a bad race and should be doing his best work late.
Our tip: 1-2-7-4
Race 4
Bet With Tote Www.tote.co.za Class 5
AVIGNON (5) attracted strong market support before winning impressively at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on August 5. He received a five-point ratings increase for that performance and, with the stable currently in excellent form, can win again if reproducing his best at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. SHIFTING PATH (6) stayed on well for third behind AVIGNON last time and, with very little weight on his back, should be right there at the finish. NAVASNINE (7) resumes from an 81-day break after winning his maiden well on June 2. That form has worked out nicely and he should be competitive if ready to fire fresh. PARATROOPER (1) always has a money chance at this level and should enjoy an economical run from a favourable draw.
Our tip: 5-6-7-1
Race 5
Race Coast Incentives Powered By Hollywoodbets Class 5 (F & M)
SPARKLING STAR (3) returns from a 98-day break after winning her maiden in impressive style on May 16. This will be her first start at Hollywoodbets Durbanville but, if she handles the track, she should prove very hard to beat. BLACK NIGHTSHADE (6) produced a terrific effort in the Irridescence Stakes Listed on June 27 when finishing less than two lengths behind GRAPES OF WRATH. The drop in trip should pose no problem and she can go close on her best form. FINAL CALL (5) won a good race on July 14 and received a two-point ratings increase for that victory. The blinkers remain on and she should be amongst the placings. MEG’S LEGACY (4) gets every opportunity from a neat draw and her chances must be respected.
Our tip: 3-6-5-4
Race 6
Social Squad Syndicate Class 4
SUTHERLAND (4) has been rested and changed stables on June 26 and could represent the value play in a difficult race. He has produced some of his best performances over sprint trips and, provided he handles Hollywoodbets Durbanville, could run a huge race at attractive odds. CATWALK KING (6) was a touch disappointing in the Langerman Gr 3 on June 27 but will go close if returning to his best form. IRELAND FOREVER (3) resumes from a 61-day break and has dropped two points in the ratings since his latest outing. He should be doing his best work late and needs to be included in the exotics. VERCICAT (2) rarely runs a bad race and should again be right in the finish on his current form.
Our tip: 4-6-3-2
Race 7
Gallop Tv C Stakes
DEVIL A SAINT (1) was touched off by ONE MAGIC in a driving finish on July 25 and has consistently produced his best racing over 1400m. He looks hard to beat from an ideal draw. LOVING PRAGUE (2) has dropped in the ratings and receives another 2.5kg through the apprentice claim. From a neat draw, he should be highly competitive and must be included in all bets. NOON DAY GUN (6) is an honest performer who tries hard and should be doing his best work late at this level. FORT YUKON (9) stayed on well for fourth in a stronger field last time and, with some luck from a difficult draw, is capable of surprising at a price.
Our tip: 1-2-6-9
Race 8
Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 (F & M)
LADY VERITAS (6) quickened smartly to win at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on July 18 and received a three-point ratings increase for that success. She should settle just off the speed before finishing strongly and can win again on her best form. BOOZY SUSIE (3) finished second to LADY VERITAS last time and is now 1.5kg better off at the weights. From a good draw, she has every chance of turning the tables. ELUSIVE GIFT (7) ran an excellent second behind MONEY EXTRACTOR on July 18 and should again be doing good work late off this rating. MIGHTY MARY (2) managed only a fair effort behind LADY VERITAS last time and has subsequently dropped one point in the ratings. If she returns to her best form, she is capable of winning a race of this nature.
Our tip: 6-3-7-2
