The exciting Mike Bass trained Silvano filly Nightingale stands out as the filly to side with in today’s R300 000 Gr3 Track And Ball Oaks at Scottsville.
Nightingale arrived in KZN with a massive reputation and got off to a flying start with an impressive win in a lowly rated polytrack mile at Greyville.
Nightingale – looks the pick
She then caught the eye when chasing Bela-Bela home in the Daisy Guineas and followed up with a very satisfactory 3rd placing behind the same filly in the Woolavington 2000.
It is difficult to match that level of current credentials in the 13 horse field that she faces over 2400m on Sunday.
But there are a few older fillies that could give her something to think about.
Foremost amongst those, is the Neill Bruss trained, Deputy Ryder.
Deputy Ryder – gutsy sort
A gutsy winner of the Listed East Coast Cup at her last start. Anthony Delpech takes the reins from Grant Van Niekerk.
Bruss has some back up in the race in the form of another Go Deputy, Devon Air Stakes winner, Flying Ice. She was only marginally behind Bela-Bela in both of the mentioned features and looks a filly that will relish the 2400m test.
Ormond Ferraris brings the hard knocking Duke of Marmalade mare, Marmalady, down from Joburg and has engaged the in-form Weichong Marwing.
Her recent form cannot be faulted in good company but she has shown a tendency to lack a killer blow when the chips are down.
Gallica Rose (yellow) carries top weight
Joey Ramsden’s top weighted Gallica Rose enjoys Scottsville but was slightly disappointing in the East Coast Cup when failing to produce her usual flourish and running just under two lengths off Deputy Ryder.
In her defence, she did pull up lame and has shown a strong liking for the extra ground.
Mike De Kock’s New Zealand-bred The Centenary runs for Randall Simons and cannot be faulted on recent form.
She ran an excellent 2nd behind Trophy Wife in the Gr2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes after winning the Listed Spook Express at her previous outing. She has not drawn well but cannot be discounted.
Gathering Fame – good run after a rest last time
Gathering Fame was an unlucky loser of the East Coast Cup when coming out firing after a three month break. It will be interesting to see if she can maintain that level of form in her second run after rest.
Patchit Up Baby is a consistent place getter and enjoys running on off a strong pace. The daughter of Ideal World finished within a length of Trophy Wife in the Gerald Rosenberg and is surely the closest thing to a winning place bet on the afternoon.
Vino Veritas ran a very disappointing race in the Gerald Rosenberg when 16 lengths off Trophy Wife and her recent form does not inspire much confidence.
Much the same can be said of Witchcraft who has also battled at her last few starts.
Andre Nel’s Australian-bred Ma Choix gave plenty of cheek in the Listed East Coast Cup when right on top of the first two.
She is a game and consistent mare who is worthy of inclusion in quartets.
Work Ethic and Christmas Carol are the balance of the 3yo’s and appear to lack the fight at this level on what they have shown to date.
In what looks a competitive race, Nightingale may have sufficient class to take her next step up the ladder and she is the selection to beat Marmalady and Flying Ice.
Go wide if possible in the exotics.
