Andrew Harrison
A competitive card faces punters on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today in spite of the relatively small fields. Exotic bet bankers are not easy to find and it could pay to add something to the wallet in the first where Candice and Tammy Dawson saddle Power Of Pearls.
The filly makes her poly debut but comes off some solid Highveld form and with a 4kg claimer aboard she could prove difficult to beat in spite of taking on males. Of those Highveld Storm was a beaten favourite last run and has had two starts for his new stable. The switch to poly could be the answer. Donmagoo has improved in blinkers and should feature in this line-up. First timer Sierra Foxtrot comes from a strong Cape Town stable and is definitely one to watch in the market.
Prins Jaspar could prove the pick of the second after being a beaten favourite first up on the poly in his KZN debut. This trip should suit. Winter Circle was short in the betting when making his debut but finished well back. The betting and step up in trip could tell a story. Owner Of Creation is a long-time maiden but has been paying his way and should not be far off them again but he does have a wide gate.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a competitive handicap but Mike Miller’s charge Infinity Edge has been taking on top class company of late. Although she makes her poly debut under a big weight she does get first timer blinkers and can run up to her rating. Victory In Orleans made a good start for her new stable when winning first time out. This trip should suit and she can go in again. Back At The George is in good form and goes well on the poly and her last win was over course and distance. Sohot Sowhat has consistent Cape form over shorter but the Lucinda Woodruff stable is in red-hot form.
Robbie Hill sends out one runner on the day in Tam’s Knight. The gelding is lightly raced and made steady improvement leading into his last win. He has won on the poly and can follow up. Grand Appeal has been consistent over the distance and has the best of the draw. He has run well on the poly and should be a threat. Spaane Rivier may just have needed his last run after a short break and does appear to be useful. He must rate a winning chance. Ibutho is always game over course and distance and tries for his 11th win.
The fifth is another competitive handicap but although Wings Of Josephine has a wide gate she goes well on the poly and has taken on stronger in recent starts. Danger could be Blast From The Past. He made no show after winning on the poly on debut and was rested. Any market support will be telling. Intrepid is a solid galloper and the switch to the poly with blinkers removed can see him go close while Rainbow Reward is seldom far back and his last win came over course and distance. He has a 4kg claimer aboard that should help his cause.
In the sixth, Qhawekazi was a close-up second to the much improved De Vlugge last time out when jumping from a wide draw. She has a better gate here. December dawn may just have needed a pipe-opener when making her local debut as her Cape form was useful and a claiming apprentice will help her chances. Flying Fate won well on the poly last time out at only her second start. She is in modest company and can follow up. Call Me Jane may be the second string from the Andre Nel stable judged by jockey bookings but she does have the slightly better form than Tequila Sky and also a better draw.
United Nation has been a revelation on the poly and Darryl Moores charge has only been beaten once on the synthetic surface. He has won over the trip and although he faces a smart field he should be right there again. Vaughen Marshall has started his Champions Season raid in fine form and saddles the progressive Black Eagle that comes with excellent Cape form. He takes to the poly for the first time and will be a big runner if he does. Major Tommie has only twice been out of the money in 12 starts and his last win was over course and distance and cannot be left out of any calculations. Fortress Of Fire is smart on his day but is 3kg worse off with United Nation given their last encounter on the poly.
In the last of the day, Lions Eye took on much stronger last run and was not far back and is back to a competitive mark. Gorgeous Dude has his peak run after a break and loves this surface. With only 51kg to shoulder he will be a big runner. Definitely Yes has a tricky draw to negotiate but is holding form well and due a change of fortune while Kali Bwana has shown up well in two outings since her maiden win and has a money chance again.
