HISTORY OF SCOTTSVILLE RACECOURSE

Scottsville Racecourse is situated in Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, which lies 80kms north of Durban. The company that controls racing at Scottsville is Gold Circle.

The track is tight and has a circumference of 2300m, a run-in of 550m and a straight course of 1200m. It also has a separate starting chute for races run over 1800m. Scottsville is one of the more challenging tracks around the country with a steep climb for the horses approaching the final 500m. There is also an inside course for races around the bend. For races run over sprint distances there is a downhill section for the first 400m before hitting the incline towards the end, making it a true test for all horses. The ability for horses to race from off the pace is a major advantage at the track, but also if you are too far back, you will find yourself in trouble.

There is very little in terms of advantage with regard to the barrier draw at the track, although when there has been rain outside draws are favourable down the straight.

Scottsville is unique in being the only course in Africa with a casino on the premises. The Golden Horse Casino provides plenty of entertainment after the races and will accommodate you if you’ve had a little too much to drink. Rockafellas is a very smart restaurant looking over the finish that you can attend and enjoy a brilliant 3-course meal and enjoy the racing.

Scottsville has a knack of providing a big upset. The term “horses for courses” applies here, as there are specialists who run much better at Scottsville than anywhere else, while others completely fail to handle the undulating straight.

On the last Saturday in May the track stages its festival of speed, which is by far the biggest day at the track with the headliner being the Group 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint. There are three other Group 1 races - the Allan Robertson Fillies Sprint for two-year-old fillies, the Gold Medallion for two-year-olds and the SA Fillies Sprint. All the races are run over 1200m.

Some of the famous horses to have run and won at Scottsville are Musir, Sledgehammer and the famous Model Man and more recently JJ The Jet Plane, who won the Golden Horse Casino sprint in 2008 and then, after a stint in Dubai and Britain, came back to South Africa to win it again in 2010.

Race Preview

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 2, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R105.000, 6:50PM

Race Summary: LIBERTY PRINT was not far off in a Trial with some top division runners. She switches to turf and could show more. BEQUIA made a fair debut behind a subsequent feature winner and confirmed the potential she showed in a Trial. She should have every chance. HOLY FLAME has some fair form over a bit further. She could sprint well after rest. ROY'S NOVICE must have a say.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 3, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R105.000, 7:25PM

Race Summary: TWO STROKE was well supported and ran a good race in second in just his second start. He is improving nicely but a wide draw may spoil it for him. FIRE SONG could capitalise from a better draw back on the turf after holding form on the poly. DON PIERRO was not far behind TWO STROKE and could make even more improvement. Another youngster with a bad draw. More can upset.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 4, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 8:00PM

Race Summary: LAAT LAMMETJIE is progressing nicely and showed she has stamina when a good second over this trip last time. She can go one better if not minding the switch to turf. ADORNED BY BEAUTY is knocking at the door and has run well at Greyville and Scottsville. She can get it right if getting the extra. PRESS MY BUTTON gave signs last and could show up strongly. L'ORFEO has a say.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 5, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R106.000, 8:35PM

Race Summary: Q THE MUSIC was not disgraced at Greyville. He is back at his best track and looks a strong runner in this contest. EDGE OF THE SUN caught the eye, albeit in a Barrier Trial, and is back over his best trip. He must be there. CAPTAIN'S CHARM has been speedy over further in the Cape. He has blinkers here and could be dangerous. ANTONY HOTSPUR won easily - respect him.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 6, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R117.000, 9:10PM

Race Summary: BILLY SILVER tried the turf at Greyville and was not disgraced as he jumped from a wide draw and it was a powerful race. He is unbeaten here and should be one of the leading fancies in this. PERCIVAL showed something like his best at Fairview and seeing as he has made the trip to Kzn should hold form. He has a 4kg claim to boot. FILIPPO is knocking hard at the door.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 7, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R150.000, 9:50PM

Race Summary: JO'S BOND won this race last year and has other powerful wins in the bank over this trip. She is joint best weighted and should run a big race again. But many a fast sort in this. SOMMERLIED lost form in the West Cape but is back home and could bounce back to best. STATUTE is also unbeaten here but runs over the minimum trip today. VINE STREET STAR can upset. Tough race.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 8, Gallops, 1950m, Turf, R106.000, 10:25PM

Race Summary: Renewal between COYS and PURE LOGIC. The latter is enjoying good form of late and could confirm the beating of COYS on better weight terms. The former is not switching from poly which could stand him in good stead and his last run must be forgiven- he is better at this venue. BALLYMAINE goes for four in a row and while he is progressive he is returning from a break.

Scottsville, 18.04.2018, Race 9, Gallops, 1950m, Turf, R74.000, 11:00PM

Race Summary: Could be wide open if SEA SPONGE doesn't take to the track. The youngster was not disgraced over further after winning his maiden. He has improved with blinkers and he could relish the longer straight here. NIGHT LOCK has been giving signs he could come out the pack on time- is better off at the weights with badly drawn HIT AND RUN. He loves this track. More can upset.

Races to be simulcast are as follows:
Race 2 at 6:50pm
Race 3 at 7:25pm
Race 4 at 8:00pm
Race 5 at 8:35pm
Race 6 at 9:10pm
Race 7 at 9:50pm
Race 8 at 10:25pm
Race 9 at 11:00pm

Starter(South Africa)