Hawk’s Eye was squeezed at the start in the Gold Cup last time out.
MR98 Handicap over 2400m at Scottsville (inner) on Tuesday
The best of the action on turf in midweek takes place at Scottsville on Tuesday. A MR98 Handicap over 2400m tops the bill and as is usually the case at this circuit it looks to be a very competitive affair, writes STEVE FURNISH.
Heading the weights is the highest rated of trainer Joey Ramsden’s two runners Hawk’s Eye. After battling to live up to his reputation when first arriving here, this son of Hawk Wing suddenly took off at the start of last season, winning three from four. His form since has been erratic, but then he has been contesting features. Anthony Delpech takes the ride here and if reproducing his effort when third to Fort Vogue in the Gr3 Greyville 2200m last time out, he should be involved.
Predestination
The form of stable companion Predestination followed a similar pattern to that of Hawk’s Eye last season. After running a good third in the 2010 Gold Cup, he too was more often than not missing from the frame. He did show that he still retains his ability when only beaten a short head in the Gr2 Gold Vase in his penultimate start though, and with Anton Marcus in the saddle, he too should be right there if putting his best foot forward.
Quick Single
Making the journey from Gauteng is the Jallad mare Quick Single. Trainer Geoff Woodruff is not a regular visitor to Natal at this stage of the season so her presence catches the eye. She won three in a row prior to finishing a runner up to the subsequent Gr1 Summer Cup winner Flirtation in the Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap early last season, and at that time it looked as if she would go on to better things. She’s only made the frame once in seven starts since that effort though and having been reported as not striding out on the only occasion that she did fill a place in the Quartet one has to have concerns.
Rapid Flow
In the main Paul Lafferty’s charge has been very consistent throughout her career and she has gained three of her six wins over today’s distance. She’s in good form at the moment having won over the distance last time out, and equally effective on both good and soft ground, she looks sure to give of her best here.
What’s Going On
The veteran What’s Going On is as honest as they come and when not pitched in too deep, is regularly seen running on at the finish. He’s developed a tendency to be slow into of stride of late, but despite that, he did finish strongly to take second over much shorter last time out. His wins, all against weaker, have been few and far between though, and once again he may well have to settle for just a place here.
Tamarillo
Without a win in eleven starts and yet to score beyond 1600m, Craig Eudey’s charge is not easy to fancy at first glance. This son of Fort Wood has performed with credit around today’s distance though, most notably when a runner up to the subsequent Gold Cup and Gold Vase third placed runner Knight To Remember in the non black type Highland Night Cup in May. He would have a shout if reproducing that effort, and interestingly, Felix Coetzee takes the ride.
Membrado
Since finishing runner up in both the Gold Cup and Gold Vase in 2008, the 8yo Membrado has only managed just one win in 28 starts, and that was in a MR89 Handicap two years ago to the day. The handicapper has finally begun to drop him in the weights in recent starts, but he still races off a mark just three points lower than that latest success here. On the positive side, Membrado did run a good third over 2400m on the old course here in April and he is now 6kg better off at the weights with Tamarillo who finished just two lengths ahead of him.
Masterpiece
Since shedding his maiden tag over today’s course and distance in February, Lowan Denysschen’s charge has been set some stiff tasks. Further improvement will no doubt be forthcoming during the course of the season, but he is out at the weights here and once again seems unlikely to be involved in the finish.
Recuso
This son of Encosta De Lago has shown flashes of ability and he does get every inch of today’s trip. Recuso could still improve, but he too is in under sufferance here and having finished last of ten last time out, he is not easy to fancy.
About The Pace
Although just nine go to post a fair proportion of them usually race up with, or close to the speed, so at least a decent gallop should be forthcoming. With question marks aplenty it’s not easy call. Hawk’s Eye clearly has claims on his penultimate effort and he did have excuses having been squeezed at the start last time out. He gets the vote.
