Lucky Houdalakis has made a successful transition from jockey to trainer, something that is not simple to accomplish even though both jobs obviously require working with racehorses. Different skills are needed, which the bubbly and jovial but serious- about- his- job, Houdalakis evidently possesses. 

Based on the Highveld, and only a rare participant in coastal races, he put together a canny raiding party on Saturday for the Scottsville meeting. Houdalakis trained the winner of the Grade 3 Oaks, Seville Orange (by Duke of Marmalade), who kept on gamely to outstay Flichity by Farr, with Snapscan running on into third. 

He also sent out promising juvenile, Winter Tour to win the opener under Gavin Lerena. This son of What a Winter was a well backed favourite after showing up nicely on debut and won fluently in the end, despite racing green. 

The Oaks and Derby in KZN are, unusually, open to all age groups. Winner of the latter Grade 3 was four year- old son of Pierro, Roy had Enough, who swept through from the back of the field to deny three year-old, Charles.  

The victor will probably have a stab at the upcoming Durban July. Interbet have him as a long shot for the big race where he might at best be able to sneak into the frame. His chances of actually winning are remote though. As stated previously in these newsletters, the betting market seems to have it spot on with the top three of Hawwaam, Rainbow Bridge and Do It Again towering above other challengers.

Â