There is a double header at Greyville this weekend with an eight race meeting tonight, the first on turf and the rest on poly, and an eight race meeting on Sunday, which has an even split of turf and poly events.

The highlight of Sunday’s meeting is the Listed KZN Guineas Trial on turf and the classy Rikitikitana could make amends for his last start when the rider dropped the whip 200m out at Scottsville over 1400m. He will prefer this trip and has a good draw which is a significant advantage on this track. Exit Here has won his last three on the poly from 1400-1600m but before that finished a 3,25 length second to the top class Rabada over 1400m on this track when receiving only 2kg. Jumping from a good draw will allow him to be up with the pace or dictating, as he likes it. Beat The Retreat is likely looking for this trip and put up a good recent gallop. However the concern is his tricky draw. Thunderwood ran a cracker last time over 1200m and should enjoy the step up in trip, but he also has quite a tricky draw. King’s Knight has a good draw and enjoys this course. There is a question mark over this trip but he does strike as one who could stay this despite his pedigree being quite speedy. They are selected in the order mentioned

Rikitikitana (Nkosi Hlophe)

In race one over 1000m on the poly, Son Of Silver has been thereabouts in all of his starts to useful sorts and should prove too good for this field. Jason Argo ran a good race over 1200m on the poly last time and now has a plum draw so should be thereabouts. Toonani has shown some ability over this course and distance and could earn in this field despite a wide draw.

In the second over 1000m on the poly Chapel Queen has been knocking on the door over course and distance and has Marcus up, although she doesn’t have the best of draws. Heart Of Christmas didn’t start well last time but has some pace and looks to have scope for improvement. Westerly Wind could earn again over a suitable course and distance in a weak field.

In the third over 1200m on the poly Argo’s Jet ran a cracker the last time he tried this course and distance and over this distance he could get away with having had a nine month layoff. Royal Roy returns from a six month layoff but off his current merit rating he has a chance. Kolinsky won his maiden well over course and distance and hasn’t been harshly treated by the handicapper.

In the fourth over 1400m on the poly Shreya’s Star has shown some ability and is likely looking for this trip. The Deacon has shown himself suited to this distance and goes well on the poly so should be a big runner having gone close with first time blinkers last time out. Courageous King is well drawn and there is little between him and The Deacon.

In the fifth over 1600m on turf The Poet is an improving sort who was staying on over 1400m last time so this trip from a good draw looks ideal. Secret Warning won his maiden well over 1400m having shown signs of ability on debut and the handicapper has not been too harsh so he has a chance over a step up in trip which should suit. Bermuda looks to be off a competitive merit rating and has a fair draw over a suitable trip.

In the seventh on turf the exciting Satatoga Dancer tries 2000m and as a classy, progressive sort should win if he stays as he is also best in at the weights. On pedigree, his sire stayed this trip but he does have quite a speedy female line. Stormy Eclipse was staying on well behind Saratoga Dancer over 1600m last time and faces him on the same terms for a 1,5 length beating. Saratoga Dancer was not hard pressed but Stormy Eclipse has shown he can handle up to 1900m at least. Joshua’s Crown is second best in at the weights and stays the trip so has a shout for an in form yard.

In the eighth over 2400m Your Worship has a shout if able to overcome his wide draw as he is ultra consistent and distance suited. Eco Storm is close to Your Worship on form and should run a good race from a good draw as he is better than his last start when finishing moderately distressed. Star Point needed his last outing and has the class to carry top weight. Forest caught the eye running on strongly over this trip in his maiden win but hasn’t been given an easy merit rating. Battle Hammer has a shout with a light weight over a suitable course and distance.

By David Thiselton