Code Rock makes his KZN debut
Class takes a dip in the post-July midweek meetings. Hardened punters gather for the meeting at Scottsville on Tuesday, for five maiden races, three handicaps in the seventies, and a Novice Plate. The latter race looks the most interesting, with the return to the track of Code Rock after an absence of almost six months.
Formerly trained by Glen Kotzen, Code Rock makes his debut for new ownership. Good enough to take his place in the Cape Derby on Met-day earlier this year, the 3yo finished less than five lengths behind Top Seller and Il Saggiatore. Still a one-time winner, the Novice Plate at Scottsville should be a shoe-in, even if the 1400m distance might be on the sharp side for the Doowaley gelding. Anton Marcus takes the ride. If he doesn’t win it’ll be Code Blue for punters – immediate resuscitation following a heart-stopping event.
Code Rock is opposed by ten hopefuls of varying ability. Most notable of these is Cherry On The Cake, a 3yo filly who has competed at the highest level at her most recent starts, in the SA Oaks and Woolavington. She didn’t show anything like her previous form in those races, so perhaps a return to this much shorter distance may help.
Ampere is a useful 3yo gelding, who seems distance suited. A consistent performer, he ran uncharacteristically below best last time and is tried with blinkers here. He should go well if they do the trick (blinkers sometimes have an opposite effect, so only the race will tell).
Cheet Em All is another 3yo with quite consistent recent form. He tends to come from off the pace, which requires good timing. His 4kg claiming apprentice has a difficult task in that respect.
Lightly raced Falconers Knot returns to 1400m following several tries over more ground. He has shown promise, but somehow hasn’t yet got his act together.
Peace Plan showed great promise as a sprinter early as a 3yo. He was lightly raced subsequently, over more ground in top company, and then disappeared from the track between November and June. His return wasn’t encouraging. Still, on his previous best form he’d have a big chance.
With eleven runners there should be a decent pace right from the jump and a true run race is on the cards. Marcus and Delpech might well do battle again at the finish. Code Rock is the selection, from Ampere and Cheet Em All. Peace Plan is the dark horse.
