Andrew Harrison

The smaller the field the bigger the upset is an old racing adage that could apply to Hollywoodbets Greyville today where a myriad of scratchings has had a dramatic effect on the numbers in some races.

The meeting has been moved from Hollywoodbets Scottsville to the poly track after a major thunder storm hit the Capital’s track on Sunday night and while many of the fields on the nine-race card are short on numbers they are big on probabilities so punters will do well to keep tabs on the betting market and also the many withdrawals before placing bets.

Most interesting race may have been the card opener where Adam Azzie’s colt Green Energy was due to face smart maiden winner Kazenoyoni but Duncan Howells has scratched because of the change of surface. Green Energy is a quality colt who was a touch unlucky on debut and won well second time of asking. He looks progressive and is likely to start at cramped odds.

Of the balance, Pink Skies was not far behind smart stable companion Master Magician last run when taking on winners. She has a light weight and is not out of it.

The second is a moderate field with many first timers. Of those that have run, Royal Crest takes on older horses but looks progressive while Winter Blessing has seldom been far off and the blinkers are back on. She should go close.

The first leg of the PA sees two-year-olds taking on older horses for the first time. Quest Of Valor takes on older runners but has put in two smart efforts. Xiphos has been frustrating to follow but is consistent although he tends to lack extra when it counts. He may just have met the right field.

In the opening leg of the Pick 6, Roy’s Grace had a long break after her maiden win but has shown up well in her two runs back and with a useful 4kg claimer aboard she should put in a good showing. Greenlight Queen has been in good form of late and was a good second last run. She is now 2kg better off in the handicap with Lilac In Winter who was a comfortable winner last time out and there should not be much between the pair.

Peter Muscutt could hold the aces in the fifth with three runners. Touched By Angels comes off some useful Cape form and was narrowly beaten last time out. His best form is over this distance. Stable companion Dylan’s Champ has improved with blinkers and from the best of the draw and Muzi Yeni staying with the ride he must have a good chance. Rollo The Viking does seem to show his best on the poly but his recent turf form is good. This is his best distance and he should be in contention.

The sixth has cut down to five runners with four scratchings. Rock Music debuts for Gary Rich and he had some promising Highveld form. The alumites go on and with a 4kg claimer aboard he should be competitive. Caribbean Gold makes his local debut and comes of a comfortable win over the trip at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Cape form is generally stronger than local so he should be a big runner. Garth Puller’s runner Axis Power was touched off last run in a tight finish and comes in off a light weight.

In the seventh, Louis Goosen’s soldier Donquerari seldom runs a bad race and goes well over course and distance. He takes a further rating drop and now looks competitive. Circumbendibus has come well since arriving in KZN and was an easy winner over course and distance last time out. He got a six-point hike in the ratings for that win but can still deny the handicapper. Both Position Of Power and Vision To Achieve have been scratched.

The eighth is a wide open handicap over 2400m with none of the runners having any convincing form. Star Of The Future has had two starts over shorter for his new stable and carries top weight but he should be ready for the step up in trip. Basie Raakvat is seldom too far back and should be competitive in this line-up along with Mary Read who improved in blinkers last outing and could prefer this trip while Intuitive Spirit took on stronger at his last start. He has shown some recent improvement and has a light weight.

Dean Kannemeyer can round off the meeting with Gallic Victor. The gelding is lightly raced and shows promise. Last outing was possibly too short and he can do better here. Next Of Kin appears to be the most likely threat as he has been in good form with the cheek pieces removed.