Grant to win in Triple Time

The Western Cape has been plagued by bad weather and there is more rain forecast in the province over the next few days. Hopefully it stays clear of Hollywoodbets Durbanville as there is a decent meeting scheduled for Saturday at the course.

The Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy over 2000m heads up an interesting card and last year’s winner, Justin Snaith-trained Somerset Maugham, will be back to defend his title. This Trippi gelding, who is a full brother to dual Grade 1 winner Charles Dickens, has taken time to come to hand and often left his connections scratching their heads.

But he looks to have hit his straps now and could go on to fulfil the potential he once promised.

While he has remained consistent throughout his four years of racing, winning five of 27 starts and placing in another 14, Somerset Maugham has flattered to deceive on more than one occasion.

Even last year’s victory was caught up in controversy as he won the race courtesy of an upheld objection which had some supporters of demoted Han Solo up in arms. In his last start 80 days ago, Somerset Maugham got the better of King Regent over 1600m on the winter course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and that form has worked well, with the latter’s recent victory adding to the three direct winners to have come out of that race on 5 July.

ALSO READ: Jockey Craig Zackey hits back at critics who say local riders are ‘soft’

What is interesting is the jockey arrangements for the Snaith runners as Grant van Niekerk, who rode Somerset Maugham to victory last time, has elected to ride Triple Time. This son of Twice Over came back from a lengthy rest in which he was gelded to be well beaten by Somerset Maugham.

Nevertheless, he came back to best in his next start to win a good race over 1600m at this track.

He beat a decent field and does look the pick of the pair, especially from No 1 draw.

Another Snaith stalwart makes his seasonal appearance and looks close to a banker on the card. Former Equus Sprinter Of The Year Rio Querari will line up in Race 8, a Cape A Stakes over 1000m.

He has not raced since finishing unplaced in the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 3 June, but a race earlier he beat We’re Jamming over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

He is by far the best weighted runner in this field and is at least 4.5kg better weighted than any of his opposition. Although he has yet to win over 1000m at this track, he did place second and third in his two races over the course and distance.

ALSO READ: KZN racing rescue plan gets the green light

However, his overall record is decent enough in that in five races at Durbanville, he has two wins, two seconds and a third. Van Niekerk has a good rapport with the son of Querari and his 12 rides have produced four wins and seven places.

The only concern is his No 7 draw but it is a small field and he should be able to overcome that hurdle.