Horses shuttled in from other provinces by trainers with satellite yards in KZN do not sit well with some of their local colleagues but it has proved to be a mark for local punters to cash in. Dean Kannemeyer has been particularly successful with this strategy and it could pay off again at Greyville on Friday night where he sends out What’s News in a lowly 66MR Handicap, fifth race on the card.
Strummer (Nkosi Hlophe)
Owned by fellow Milnerton-based trainer Greg Ennion, What’s News boasts some useful Cape form, most recently finishing close-up over the Durbanville ‘mile’. He drops to a sprint on Friday but Anthony Delpech takes over from apprentice Xavier Carstens and the switch to the poly track could be the reason for his move to KZN.
However, he does take on a progressive colt in Doug Campbell’s runner Strummer, a winner on debut on the poly before following up with a second place behind the older Victoria’s Love after being backed in to favourite. He obviously has ability and the step up in trip should not be a bother.
But on a card that consists of Maidens and lowly handicaps, punters could have their work cut out finding the right combinations. In the opening leg of the PA, Charles Laird holds a good hand with The Deacon and Stokvel both in with winning chances but the year older Silver Finalist can defy a deep draw in his poly debut while Winter Auralius showed improvement first up on the poly and should enjoy this trip.
Laird sends out a choicely bred import in the third in the form of Italian Miss and she does not have to be any great shakes to have the measure of this field so any market moves must be respected. Golden Earings and Dark Rose are both battling but have been consistent while Make My Own Luck looks set to improve.
Victory Takeover (Nkosi Hlophe)
The fourth is a fillies and mares handicap that has upset written all over it. Anton Marcus has stuck with Victory Takeover and the former champion jockey is renowned for doing his homework as he books his own rides so it may pay to follow his judgement. But the list of possible winners is a long one.
In the sixth, the veteran Dun Carrer has been dropping quickly in the handicap and Frank Robinson’s runner now looks to be off a competitive mark again with Muzi Yeni staying aboard. However, this race is also wide open with the likes of Just Like Magic, Bez-Art and Selvan’s Jet also in the mix.
Marcus booked himself the ride on Pure Valor in the seventh and Lowan Denysschen’s runner could possibly be the best bet on the card. He has only got going late in his recent outings over 1600m and the step up in trip with Marcus aboard looks a good combination.
The last is another open event where Kannemeyer’s runner Canigao can improve on a modest debut but Dark Avenger, Blue Ocean and Silverturnstogold are also in with a shout.
By Andrew Harrison
