The first of a number of strategic changes implemented to the Cape summer feature season structure were seen to good effect when racing returned to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Hollywoodbets Durbanville rounded up the eight-meeting Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series on Wednesday 19 October, and there was much anticipation with the return to the flagship Southern Suburbs venue on a glorious Cape summer day.
Candice Bass-Robinson and her team lead Golden Hostess in after her feature victory (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
In sharp contrast to the country course’s very easily harnessed quaint hospitable intimacy, the generous spatial dynamics of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth make for very different challenges in terms of a buzz and vibe.
One source told the Sporting Post that there was probably close on 2000 people on course on Saturday, and there was certainly a feelgood atmosphere to compliment the excellent racing on offer.
Besides the Hollywoodbets on-course branch opening function, both the 1881 Lounge and the Pocket Power were full and there was a 50th birthday function on the fourth floor.
The first of the quartet of features on the day was the R150 000 Prestige Plate, a non black-type Pinnacle for 3yo fillies, won in fine style by the rampant Bass-Robinson team with Golden Hostess.
Head Of Racing Operations Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post that the Prestige Plate was a replacement event in a slot traditionally occupied by the Western Cape Fillies Championship.
“The Western Cape Fillies Championship was always run five weeks before the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas, so we moved it to three weeks away and placed the Prestige Plate in its old slot on Saturday to create a nice programme into the prestigious fairer sex classic. It is also effectively a bridge from the Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes, We are pleased with the quality of the field that turned out on Saturday and that endorses the decision in many ways,” added Vermaak.
The balance of the new-look 3yo filly programme is as follows:
- November 12: Gr2 WC Fillies Championship
- December 3: Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas
- January 31: NBT Clapham Stakes
- February 25: Listed Cape Oaks
