This weekend’s featured race is the grandly named, Sir Theophilis St George Stakes at Scotsville on Sunday. Off-time is 14h12 and 12 entries have been received for this 1500m contest carded as Race 6.

What follows are short profiles of each horse, together with their best speed figures. In summary, grades are awarded, which ranks - A’s being highest rated; B’s are the “back-up’s” and C’s, the “marginals.”

STRATHCLYDE s/s 101 +: earned this figure over the course and distance in September ’24. Is having his 14 start and may build on that number with a low draw and light weight. Has won second run after a rest before. Respected despite stepping up in class.

CHERRY ANO s/s 100: will try take advantage of draw 2 by racing handy. Seems too high in the weights though and has been found wanting in the finish since relocating to KZN. Unlikely.

DAVE THE KING s/s 113: awarded H.O.T.Y. after a stellar KZN Winter campaign in ‘24 and the stand-out class of the race. Won this race last year, which set him up for subsequent heroics. Only problem are conditioning queries – he comes back from a 169-day layoff after two poor Highveld starts. Hard to assess under the circumstances, but a must- use on the pick of his high-class, back form.

RAPIDASH s/s 104: Seven seconds and just three wins from 19 starts understates the latent ability of this talented galloper. Blinkers go on, 26% hoop Lerena gets the call-up, and he should strip fitter after a sighter at the track a month ago. Short list material.

PACAYA s/s 107: heart irregularities have caused him to mix his form, but he can be formidable when the ticker is in rhythm. He makes his seasonal debut here after two tremendous runs in the Premier’s and Met, where he was noted rushing home from way off the pace. Hard to know quite where he is at right now but must be considered on those peak showings.

AFRICAN SKYLINE s/s 103: steady 6YO who won the Fever here over the C/D in February. A consistent performer who seems sure to run his number yet falls short of the par required to win.

CELTIC BEAUTY s/s 100; has a neat record at this course and comes in with a feather weight. The “con’s” are a series of tame finishing fractions which suggest she will again be overhauled after disputing the early speed.

ROYAL VICTORY s/s 107: Well-performed middle-distance campaigner who rates a few ticks below Dave the King. Has done best on the Highveld and is win-less from six attempts at this venue. Still, is respected at the weights.

ANFIELD’S ROCKET s/s 101: used to merit a higher rating of 108 but overall profile is regressive, and the last win was all of 806 days ago. Pass.

KING PELLES s/s 99: a promising stayer most likely prepping for more suitable assignments over longer routes. Low percentage rider jumps from a wide draw. Not today.

MASTER FUEGO s/s 105: an interesting returnee who last raced 294 days ago. That career top score was earned over 2200m behind Cape Eagle in July last year. Proven winner this track and has been competitive between 1400 and 1600m. Not ruled out.

BARATHEON s/s 102: a game six-time winner who is up against it from the wide outside barrier. Needs to substantially boost his finishing sectionals to have a shake.

GRADES:

A = 3 4   B = 1 5 8 11   C = 6.