On the racetrack, Hewitson is a Humble Addict
Melandia a confident BiPot banker
The jockey-trainer combination of Yvette Bremner and champion jockey Lyle Hewitson has teamed up 123 times for an impressive 23 triumphs and 56 places this season, and they are more than likely to increase their 18.7% win-strike rate in Port Elizabeth today, courtesy of five runners, all of whom have solid winning chances.
In an effort to defend his title, Hewitson, who currently sits fourth on the jockeys’ log, should creep closer to Anton Marcus when Melandia lines up in Race 1, a FM Maiden Plate over 1200m on the Polytrack.
This three-year-old daughter of Seventh Rock was backed to 28-10 favourite on debut, but fell victim to inexperience in the 1600m contest and was forced to settle for the runner-up position, 0.75 lengths behind 44-1 outsider Afleet Flyer on the Turf track. Plus that form line has produced a winner.
Now knowing a thing or two about racing, Melandia should have absolutely no trouble outclassing a field of this nature. The main question is: will she enjoy racing on the synthetic surface? If so she is unlikely to lose.
Sharon B Kotzen-trained Humble Addict has been threatening to record a second career vic- tory over his last four performances, registering three close-up thirds and a fourth. All those who remain faithful could be decently rewarded when runs in Race 7, a MR 63 Handicap over 1600m with Hewitson in the saddle.
This gelding was drawn worst of all in his most recent outing over this course and distance, which forced jockey Luyolo Mxothwa to drop him out early. In fact, this ultra-consistent son of Reward For Effort was one-from-last passing the 250m marker, impressively producing a devastating turn of foot in the dying stages to finish three lengths behind Lloyd George.
If Kotzen’s charge can reproduce anything close to that performance, and overcome his wide No 8 draw in this 11-horse field, he will outshine course specialist Apoc. The latter has become a rather costly to follow, finishing second in three of his last four starts.
This eight-year-old son of Announce’s recent offering when beaten a diminishing 0.50 lengths by African Messiah clearly proves that the old man has not lost his zest for racing, and considering he comes into this contest with a massive 4.5kg advantage over Humble Addict, jockey Karl Zechner’s mount could upset the market leader. For Pick 6 purposes, it is advised you include both Apoc and Humble Addict. Float the pair with Limestone Mass, Albrandino, The Goon Show, Ex Nihilo, Kiss Me Twice and Adalfieri in your Quartet.
Jockey Greg Cheyne should be seen in the winner’s enclosure with Alan Greeff-trained Jika following the running of Race 5, a MR 78 Handicap over 1600m.