Scottsville Racecourse Preview: Golden Horse Sprint Headlines Feature Weekend

This time of the year always feels a little special. As we build up to the Durban July, there is just something different in the air on these feature weekends.  

I have followed this game for as long as I can remember, and there is a feeling that never really goes away. Waking up on days like this feels a bit like it’s your birthday. You just know it is going to be a good one before it even starts. 

This weekend, all roads lead to Scottsville Racecourse for one of the best race days on the South African calendar, headlined by the always exciting Golden Horse Sprint. 

The Allan Robertson Championship looks like a race where Get Up could really announce herself properly on the big stage. She is a progressive two-year-old who produced a seriously eye-catching win last time. She out-showed a sharp turn of foot that should suit Scottsville perfectly.  

Sean Tarry has a habit of getting his juveniles ready for these big feature days, and this filly looks like another one who could step up exactly when it matters. 

The Gold Medallion is another cracker on the card, with Rich Mans World lining up full of confidence. There has been plenty of positive chatter coming out of his recent runs. In Richard Fourie’s last interview with Race Coast presenter Warren Lenferna, he revealed that he told trainer Vaughan Marshall that “this is the next Stallion of South Africa.”  

When a jockey of his calibre speaks that highly of a horse, it certainly makes you sit up and take notice. He is clearly a colt with a serious engine, and it is going to take a smart one to beat him if he reproduces what connections believe he is capable of. 

Now we get to the big one, the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint, and as always, it looks like a proper speed test. This race never really disappoints, and this year is no different with some of the country’s quickest lining up.  

Cosmic Speed reminded everyone of his ability with a strong third-place finish last time out as he heads into this, a well-deserved favourite. 

The Hollywood Syndicate team is also well represented, sending out a strong five-horse attack as they look to land another graded success. Their main hopes appear to be Miami Mountain and One Eye On Vegas, both of whom have the ability to make life very interesting late in the race. 

One thing for sure: Scottsville is set for a proper afternoon of racing, and punters are in for a real treat this Saturday. I will be back next week with more from the track, same place, same reads, and hopefully a few more winners than excuses. 

Tips: 

Race 1 – LENNOX 

Race 2 – WAR EMPEROR 

Race 3 – SERPINTINE FIRE 

Race 4 – GUY GIBSON 

Race 5 – GET UP 

Race 6 – RICH MAN’S WORLD 

Race 7 – COSMIC SPEED 

Race 8 – MIA MOO 

Race 9 – GREEN GATEWAY