Royal Return to the winner’s box

ROYAL Return looks a smart sort in the making and should make his first visit to Durbanville a winning one in the MR 84 Handicap over 1 600m tomorrow.

After a facile maiden win this three-yearold Gimmethegreenlight gelding was heavily backed next time out, but got going too late for third as stablemate Captain Flinders scored a surprise start to finish win.

With the benefit of that experience, a plum draw and the extra 200m he is tipped to turn the tables on Pink Floyd who finished over a length ahead of him that day and is now 0.5kg better off.

But it won’t be easy as year-older Pink Floyd’s next win is overdue and he has not finished unplaced at this track. Despite being drawn one from the outside he should be right in the shake-up.

Path Of Choice and Yorktown also merit respect and Race 7 boasts plenty of solid form.

Much the same could be said for Race 4, where Skidoo is predicted to come out on top in this MR 94 Handicap over 1 000m.

Paul Reeves’ consistent speedster has won his last two in gutsy fashion, and was also successful on his most recent visit here last October.

He has talented apprentice Liam Tarentaal up again, and the youngster is worth his 2.5kg claim. The five-time winner looks a decent each way chance in an open heat with a handy 54kg.

There are dangers aplenty though, with Savea perhaps the major one. The Var gelding couldn’t have been more impressive last time, but has never won over this trip. He looks sure to be closing late under Anton Marcus and an exciting finish could be in store.

Another potential value bet is Soft Day in Race 2.

She made her debut in a strong colts’ event, finishing fifth under a less than punishing ride. Up against her own sex the Soft Falling Rain juvenile should be highly competitive, and will love going 1 250m.