The two 2yo Gr1’s at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday are highly competitive affairs with chances to a number of runners in both races.
Michele Wing of Racing News visited the big race trainers and published this report and interview package on the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes and Gr1 Thekwini Stakes.
Cousin Casey: “He’s definitely the horse to beat and I think the further he goes, the better he’s going to be“, Glen Kotzen.
Quantum Theory: “He’ll see Hollywoodbets Greyville for the first time and he’s obviously going up against opposition who have already raced on the course, so gives them the advantage. But we’re there, we’ve got a ticket and we’ll certainly be trying“, Robbie Sage.
Royal Victory: “He’s come on quite a lot from that run (Golden Horseshoe). It was a prep run really, for the 1600“, Nathan Kotzen.
Prophet: “I’m confident he’ll see the mile. I’m really confident of this horse running a very, very good race“, Corne Spies.
Laguna Verde: “We’ve got nice draw. Hopefully he can jump and hold his position. We’re expecting a big run from him“, Lucky Houdalakis
Golden Prospect: “He’s made good progress since he’s been in KZN. I do expect him to be there“, Sean Tarry.
Now I Got You: “We’re expecting a good run. We’re just drawn a little bit deep with him“ , Corrie Lensley.
River Queraress: “The reason we went here, more than the sex allowance, was the draw. This was on the cards for a long time now“, Paul Peter.
Countdown: “Nothing’s gone right for him this season. He’s still a very, very smart horse“, Glen Kotzen.
Mover And Shaker: “He’s has come on in his work, from his last win at Hollywoodbets Greyville. It was a gutsy win, the first run after the gelding. We’ll be happy with a place “, Fabian Habib.
Grinkov: “You’ve heard of bad luck stories where you’ve pulled off one shoe, he pulled off 3 shoes (last run). He is drawn wide and will be dropped out and run the way he likes to run and that’s from off them.
Gr1 Thekwini Stakes
Ameena: SCRATCHED Thursday 28 July. Pulled flank muscle.
Bless My Stars: “She’s a very smart filly. It’s the first run around the bend. She has the class and has the mental attributes to be fine around the bend. She should have a big chance. ”, Paul Peter.
Time For Orchids: “She’s coming together at the right time. If she gets the mile, I think she has an excellent chance“, Sean Tarry.
Canadian Summer: “We can see improvements in her work. I think we stand a good chance as well. We cracked a good draw of 1 as well“ , Darryl Moore.
None Other: “She’s never been to Hollywoodbets Greyville, but she’s a pretty sensible girl. She’s pretty pacey, so ja, I’m sure she’s going to get herself into the race. She’s another one I’m expecting a good run“, Lucky Houdalakis.
Hold My Hand: “I galloped her with the big colts, that are running in the other colts ah, and there was nothing in-between them. She come on in leaps and bounds and has cracked a draw“, Glen Kotzen.
LittleMarySunshine: “She’s going to be a far better filly when she hits 2000, 2.4, that kind of thing. She’s game. She stayed on very well last time, it was just clearly too short for her. But she should be kicking on strongly if she has a clear passage“, Mike de Kock.
Orarari Gold: “Very decent filly. We always thought when she goes further, she’ll be better. I think she’ll go very, very well“, Corrie Lensley.
Miss Cool: “She is crying out for the distance. Let’s hope Rachel can place or win her first group1“, Paul Peter.
Rock The Fox: “Now funnily enough, Rock The Fox is always the filly that I thought would be for this race. She should me a lot earlier on. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her thereabouts“, Sean Tarry.
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