Enflame needs to catch fire

THE Gr3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes over 2400m is a tough handicap for punters to work out the form.

- ANDREW HARRISON

The race heads a nine-race programme at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow where we have another turf/poly programme.

The Winter Stakes may well be a decider as far as a berth in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets July is concerned which makes for more than just added interest in the race. Enflame has done very little wrong in recent starts over ground for Candice and Tammy Dawson and should go close again and along with Tenpenny, is on the outside looking in.

Patrick Kruyer, long-time assistant to the legendary Terrance Millard, saddles Tenpenny who disappointed last run in the soft. But prior to that he had smart Cape form over ground.

Contracted rider JP Van der Merwe rides Native Ruler who has good form in strong company although yet to go this trip. However, Keagan de Melo has been declared as the gelding’s rider for the Hollywoodbets Durban July which would account for the riding engagements with Van der Merwe’s name penciled in behind Justin Snaith’s runner Regulation.

Shoot The Rapids is another July hopeful looking to boost his form. Nathan Kotzen’s gelding stays well and was runner-up at his last two. Kotzen has booked Richard Fourie for the ride which is a big bonus. Holding Thumbs may just have needed his last run but this trip will suit Glen Kotzen’s runner better and he should put in another good shift.

Sean Tarry is a dab hand at keeping older horses on the boil and surprise package could be Future Pearl. The gelding has patchy form of late but he has dropped markedly in the ratings and on his day has the ability.

It is a highly competitive card with no stand-out bets so punters will need to do their homework.

In the card opener, Highveld visitor Tanareef found good market support on debut and although he was a well-beaten fourth it was in good time and from the best of the draw from a top stable he should be right there.