22/07/2025
THE US OF A COULD BE THE TRUMP CARD AT HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH TODAY
Graeme Hawkins
The R135 000 Turf Talk Syndicate B Stakes over 1000m tops the bill for a largely “bread-and-butter” 9-race programme under sunny skies at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this afternoon. Cape Town has enjoyed a break from the heavy rains over the past few days, but the going remains on the soft side. Carded as the sixth race on the programme, the headliner has attracted a small field of only seven runners, but there are several with winning claims, none more so than The US Of A whose form since being gelded is most encouraging.
Last time out The US Of A made short work of subsequent winner, Escarpment, but he incurred a seven-point penalty and although a short-priced favourite in the ante-post market, it is not a foregone conclusion that the 4yo son of The United States will follow up. The Michelle Rix/Harold Crawford training partnership send out two livewires in the form of Elusive Winter and Peace Of Mind. Champion Jockey-elect, Gavin Lerena, will be aboard Elusive Winter whose last run is best ignored. He is most effective over the minimum trip and judged on his best recent form must have a chance, but at level weights with The US Of A, the latter is slightly preferred.
Peace Of Mind could be a big threat at the weights. The 3yo daughter of Var carries just 51,5kgs for the services of in-form apprentice Brevan Plaatjies, and in receipt of 7kgs from both The US Of A and Elusive Winter, Peace Of Mind would not be winning out of turn. Flying Finley was comprehensively beaten by The US Of A over track and trip on 17 June but is now 3kgs better off and could get a lot closer this afternoon. In their previous meeting on 25 May, Flying Finley finished ahead of The US OF A, but I suspect that the latter was not at his best on that occasion. Tanneron is holding from very nicely and there is little to choose between Candice Bass-Robinson’s runner and Peace Of Mind when judged on their 1-2 finish back in May. That was over 1100m, and the slightly shorter trip and revised weights may enable Peace Of Mind to turn the tables this time around.
It all adds up to being a competitive and interesting contest, but there is no lack of pace in the race and that could play into the hands of The US Of A. Richard Fourie is likely to settle just in behind the early duel for the lead and produce Paddy Kruyer’s inmate with his customary late charge over the final 150 metres. That could prove the winning recipe and, on a day when bankers are at a premium, it may pay to throw your lot in with The US Of A, despite the open nature of the race.
A pair of Class 4 Handicaps over 1200m will close out the race meeting and upset results in either cannot be ruled out. The eighth race sees recent maiden winner, Late December, step into handicap company for the first time, off what appears to be a competitive mark of 79. There is not a great deal of solid form to work with and the quality of Late December’s impressive victory over promising subsequent winner African Memoir - his sole start this calendar year - suggests that Greg Ennion’s 3yo son of Rafeef can go back-to-back. Carriacou probably rates the biggest threat but both Honor Of Kings and Winter Pearl warrant consideration for Jackpot and Pick 6 permutations.
Rhydian has many issues but is not short of talent and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge could register his second career victory in the ninth race. Louis Mxothwa retains the ride after finishing third behind Azzurri in heavy going last time. His breathing problems are well documented but if all goes according to plan, Rhydian may carry too many guns for the in-form Firingonallengines, who steps up a division here following his narrow victory over Lover’s Lane in Class 5 last month. The unreliable but capable Paratrooper and Counter Attack make some appeal but if Rhydian fluffs his lines, the race is ripe for a surprise result.
The first race, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, is due off at 12:10 and the improving Mount Augustus could get punters off to a positive start. The 2yo son of Vercingetorix has his peak run after being rested and gelded and although the form of his last start has not yet been franked, Justin Snaith’s charge should make a bold bid for top honours. He may have most to fear from Time Honoured who ran a promising race first up as a gelding when fourth behind Late December on 12 June. The consistent but well-tried Iko Iko cannot be lightly dismissed and is a must for Exacta and Trifecta combinations. He races beyond the minimum trip for the first time in his career and may relish the extra 200m.
Image: Cape Racing | Chase Liebenberg Design & Photography
