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Wednesday sees the running of the Listed Woolavington Handicap at the country course of Durbanville in the Cape. A field of ten runners will face the starter for the race over 2400m.
Photo by Liesl King
In form trainer Dean Kannemeyer saddles both Cree Lodge and Blake. Cree lodge shoulders top weight under Gerrit Shlecter, but finished a dismal 11th in his last start over the course and distance. The Casey Tibbs gelding could run into the minor places and has a chance here if he produces his top form.
Blake is in top form and has not finished out of the first three in his last six starts. In his last start over the course and distance he raced handy and stayed on to finish third behind Sun City. Karel Nesius rides the Dynasty gelding again and he could be the one to beat.
Sun City, winner of the Listed Settlers Trophy over the course and distance, is not the soundest of horses, but is capable of ending up in the number one box again. Top jockey M J Byleveld retains the ride and with a favourable barrier draw of four, the Kahal gelding cannot be ignored.
Hospitality under Karis Teetan is always there and there abouts. He set the pace in the Settlers and faded in the home straight, finishing seventh. The six year-old likes to go out hard and if he doesn't run out of steam he is capable of hanging on to finish in the money.
The familiar blue, white and pink silks of Marsh Shirtliff will be carried by the ever consistent C Major. The Du Pont gelding has been placed in his last six starts and is overdue for a win. It is however a step up in class and distance. Champion jockey Felix Coetzee has the ride and from the number two barrier, he will give C Major all the chances.
The Mike Bass trained Golden Parachute could be the dark horse of the race. It is the gelding's third run after a rest and he showed improvement when finishing fifth behind Sun City in the Settlers.
It is an open race and the tight course at Durbanville is renowned for producing upset results.