Andrew Harrison
Henk Leyenaar, a Hollander resident in Zimbabwe, has been a staunch supporter of local racing going back to the years of now retired trainer Alistair Gordon.
Forthright in his views, especially when it comes to the pronunciation of his horses’ names, he has two lined up on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville tonight, each with different trainers.
Both Spaarne Rivier and Drielandenpunt appear to be progressive three-year-olds and just how progressive may be revealed in their respective races.
First up is Dean Kannemeyer’s charge Drielandenpunt. The son of, until now seemingly underrate sire with a magnificent pedigree, The United States, Drielandenpunt doddled home in a maiden at just his fourth start. In typical Kannemeyer fashion, the gelding progressed from one run to the next before shedding his maiden. However, a word of caution. The form of that maiden field was nothing to write home about so one goes on gut feel rather than anything else although his winning time was respectable. He does have plenty of scope and meets a field of aging handicappers. Syx Hotfix has started at long odds at his last two on the poly and was not disgraced behind the useful Sundance Kid last time out. He has a 4kg claimer aboard so should be competitive. Rodriguez enjoyed the extra when Louis Goosen sent him over the extra at his last start but he has consistent form over this trip and has a handy weight. Strapping Blazing Light should make light of the 50kg on his back and can be very dangerous if allowed to get away.
The second of the Leyenaar runners comes in the sixth where Spaarne Rivier likes up for Mike and Mathew de Kock. He made a smart handicap debut when run out of it late when trying a mile for the first time. Back to a trip over which he won his maiden he can make amends but faces a possible landmine in Kannemeyer’s charge Industrialstrength. He is a fine specimen of a racehorse but has been a touch disappointing since his maiden win. However, he was staying on nicely over a mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last time out but sent back to KZN where he makes his debut in blinkers. Over what looks to be his preferred trip he should be a big threat to Spaarne Rivier. Of the balance Isikwishikwishi seldom runs a bad race and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out and can go one better while Mvelelo who races in the same colours steps up in trip having won his last two over shorter. He is up in the handicap but is the pick of the Hollywood runners if one follows stable rider Sean Veale’s choice.
Rain has been the usual summer bugbear and trainers are caught between taking their chances on the poly or waiting for the turf to become raceable. Add that to the fact that the Summerveld training tracks have been under water, form becomes more difficult to decipher.
It could pay to keep a weather eye on the debutantes in the first of the evening. Of those that have run, Susurrando has shown signs of improvement after just three outings and although he has a fair weight to shoulder in this Maiden Handicap he does look capable. The year older Fine Dining has been narrowly beaten at his last two on the poly and takes on weaker here but does step up in trip which may be a concern. Royale Jacket makes the trip from the Highveld and although he has modest form the switch to the poly could bring out the best. Mr Mcdonald could prove best of the first timers.
The first leg of the Place Accumulator could go the way of Quarter Master who found some market support on debut but raced very green. He has drawn wide but in a small field he can make the required improvement. Malongane was a good second last run after a break and may just have needed it and has placed in his last three. Omnia has run her two best races on the poly but drops in trip.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Spirit Of Shimla has the widest draw but was a beaten favourite over course and distance on debut. She can make the required improvement but will need to get the better of Queen Fenn who shows good pace and was only run out of it late at her last two and Champagne Problems who has been touched off at her last two including over course and distance. She has a good draw and can break the ice. Olive Grove is back to a sprint but has improved on the poly and can feature prominently.
In the fourth Queen Of The Air was a beaten favourite last run when run out of it late. This longer trip should suit. Intro is a long struggling maiden but has been in good form and will be a big runner in this line-up while Run For Peace improved last run and steps up in trip. One to keep an eye on in the betting. Crimson Typhoon made a promising debut on the poly but disappointed on the turf next time out. Back on poly and up in trip she cannot be ignored.
In the fifth Spectacular may have found his last start just out of his compass and should be better over this shorter trip. However, he is 2kg worse off with Continentalexpress on their last meeting which should bring them a lot closer together. Riccardo is back over what looks to be his optimum trip and he has been dropping in the handicap while the fillies Hodgepodge and Our Lady Fate both stay well and are in with winning chances.
Competitive race to end the evening and it may pay to load up in the exotics. Oh My Gucci Girl has been much improved with blinkers on the poly. She steps up in trip but has the best of the draw and should be competitive. Clickbait shed her maiden on the poly and has consistent sprint form. The step up in trip should suit. Blind Speed improved last run when taking on stronger and the form has held up. A repeat could see her home.
