The second annual Hollywoodbets Work Riders series challenge reaches a climax today when the last of four legs, and the competition decider, will be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The opening contest on the eight-race card is the R120 000 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Work Riders’ Maiden Plate over 1200m.
R25 000 in cash prizes are up for grabs, and there is plenty to ride for amongst the nine riders.
William Bambiso – polished rider wins the opening leg on Escarpment – he rides Explosive Speed for Dean Kannemeyer today (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The vastly experienced William Bambiso and former professional Louis Burke look the two most likely to bid for the competition winner’s first cheque of R12 000.
Bambiso is a stalwart of the work rider ranks and partners the Rafeef gelding Explosive Speed for Dean Kannemeyer. Currently topping the log with 21 points, and with the two other leg winners Mzolisi Njengele and Godfrey Sigenu not riding today, Bambiso has most to fear from Louis Burke, who is only 2 points adrift and rides Princess Virginie for Glen Kotzen.
The daughter of Vercingetorix has been disappointing in her last two starts after producing a promising debut effort over the trip at Hollywoodbets Hollywoodbets Durbanville. She returns from a ten week break, and should give the males a run for their money.
Riding Master Craig Du Plooy suggested that Candice Bass Robinson and Lungisani Geledu look the combination to beat with the Danon Platina gelding Maneki Neko, who ran a good race when third in his last start over today’s track and trip.
“I’d have to be tipping Maneki Neko to win. Lungisani worked for Vaughan Marshall for years before joining the Bass team. He is probably their third choice rider but is very accomplished.”
Du Plooy also suggested that Jet Green be included.
One of three runners for new Cape trainer Lunga Gila, who is looking for his maiden winner in his new home province, Jet Green had no luck last time and looks a better bet over 1000m. Her rider Petros Fama is highly experienced and worked for Vaughan Marshall and Basil Marcus, before joining the Bass team.
A horse and rider combination that should not be left out of the reckoning is Rogue Male, who will strip fit after a good third on Monday. The very capable Oscar Nkunzi takes the reins on the longstanding maiden for Peter Wrensch.
Latest log:
The grand prize of R25 000 in the Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series, will be shared amongst the top five riders on the final log after today’s race. On top of this, they will also get the standard riding commissions.
- Winner earns R12 000
- Runner-up earns R6 000
- Third place earns R4 000
- Fourth place earns R2 000
- Fifth place earns R1 000
Tune in to gallop TV – race is off at 13h00!
