The US Of A could be the trump card

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.

- GRAEME HAWKINS

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.

Elusive Winter

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.