The Gr 3 Christmas Handicap over 1600m on turf heads a ten race card at Greyville on Saturday and the Duncan Howells-trained Saratoga Dancer could claim some richly deserved black type.

The classy Mambo In Seattle gelding is improving rapidly and, off a merit rating he is likely to rise above, could overcome a tough draw. Way Of Light is also progressive and the handicapper might not have him in his grip yet. Stormy Eclipse will be challenging strongly too. Diamond King loves the course and distance and has a touch of class. Joshua’s Crown should also be involved. Those are the five who make most appeal.

Saratoga Dancer (Nkosi Hlophe)

In race one over 1000m on the polytrack Hot Chilli ran a fine race over 1200m last time when just touched off by the promising Master Sam and considering he over raced early he looks likely to relish this step down in trip. He has Anton Marcus aboard which should help nullify his relatively high draw. Bank It is a hard knocking sort who ran well over course and distance last time out for second, beating the first-timer Pyrenees in Spain by 2,25 lengths. The latter won next time out, comfortably beating Hot Chilli, but that was over 1400m and the winner had clearly improved. However, Bank It will still be a big threat and so will Prince George, who narrowly beat Bank It when they met over this trip at Scottsville.

The second is a maiden for fillies and mares over 1000m and the two most appealing horses are both returning from long rests. Saraaba last ran in August and that race can be ignored as the bit broke but before that she had shown good speed on the Highveld and the De Kock yard will have her fit so she is the pick despite her tough draw. Caroline’s Call made a good debut over course and distance in February but hasn’t run since and is very widely drawn. Anton Marcus is aboard Alldressedup who is by Bankable and is a half-sister to twice winner Kelikote Express. The other first timer Kalani is by Kahal out of a four-time winning Labeeb mare. Of the others Sinphonia has pace and could earn, Nam Long could improve and At Variance is another who can’t be ignored.

The third is a MR 78 Handicap over 1000m and Treasure Hunter looks a talented sort so can follow up on his maiden win from a good draw. The useful Big King is course and distance suited and Charles Laird always has them fit returning from layoffs. Fire The Rocket, Panza, Tonto, Faberge Style and El Gallo would not be surprise winners in an open race and Swakopmund could do it to if not tearing away as he does done in two of his races.

Bella Miesque (Nkosi Hlophe)

In the fourth over 1400m Swanee River has more bad luck with the draw but this strong galloper could well appreciate stepping down to 1400m and doesn’t face an inspiring field. She might be able to slot in behind Bare All, who could be dangerous from the front running off a reasonable merit rating with a 2,5 kg claimer up. Waning Crescent finished well last time over course and distance after being dropped out from a wide draw and is slightly better drawn this time. Bella Miesque loves the poly and is distance suited. Queen Justine, Throne and Silver Inspiration make most appeal of the rest.

In the fifth over 1600m on turf Ole Gunnar looks promising and can beat an uninspiring field despite returning from a layoff. Levi Roots will appreciate the step back down in trip. Feel The Volcano, Mighty Mississippi and Napoli make most appeal of the rest.

In race seven over 1800m on turf Maybe caught the eye when winning her maiden over 2000m and can follow up off a reasonable merit rating. Class Mondiale ran a fine race over that trip too and converted the yard’s expectations of improvement, so she could be involved too. Donna Amata should also go close.

In race eight over 2400m on turf Forest looks a talented stayer in the making and could beat home Your Worship and Timeforatiger.

Race nine is a weak maiden over 2400m on turf and provides a good opportunity for Saarikh. Yearofthedragon and Kepler make most appeal of the rest.

In Race ten over 2000m on turf Grand Jury will enjoy the trip and should be improving, so can beat home Caligari Carnival and Velvet Orchid.

By David Thiselton