Greyville stages a nine race meeting today, the first three on the poly and the rest on turf, and punters have a fair chance of signing off the old year on a high note
The first is a MR 78 handicap over 1400m. Sovereign Reign is well regarded and the 1400m might be exactly what he is looking for, while Marcus remaining faithful speaks volumes. Beluga ran a fine race last time behind a useful sort over course and distance and is well drawn. Ferdinand The Bull was a little bit strong in the running over 1600m last time when just failing to catch the promising Team Guys so he should relish the step down in trip and Delpech stays aboard. However, He was given a four point raise for that last race so it won’t be easy.
Master Sam is better than his last run suggests, when just scraping home in a maiden over 1200m in his seasonal reappearance. The form has been franked, he would have benefitted from the run and will appreciate the step up in trip so could go close despite a merit rating of 81. The Lonsdale starts off handicapping off a reasonable merit rating of 65 so only has to carry 53,5kg and if getting a good start he could be dangerous from the front as he has plenty of ability but tends to pull if caught in behind horses. Black Jaguar and Triptronc can’t be ignored.
The second is a MR 76 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m and Vogue Idea has some good Cape form which makes her 69 merit rating look very attractive. She has had a layoff since January but that is likely only due to Sabine Plattner not having a trainer for some time during that period rather than problems or a lack of fitness so she should go close. The hard knocking front runner Lobelia proved last time when just failing over 1600m on turf she was up to this 82 merit rating and will be right there. Her draw of six should allow her to get to the front without wasting too much energy. Seek The Summit has improved with blinkers and is well drawn over an ideal trip with Marcus up. Mark My Card has useful form and should love this trip. News Weekly must be considered over this step back in trip.
The third is a MR 70 Handicap over 1600m and Sea Urchin looks a useful type who can rise above his lowly 68 merit rating. He is drawn in pole under Marcus and should be running on strongly. The Poet is hard knocking and should enjoy this distance under a very much in form jockey. Land Of Legends has likely come on from his last run and could be a threat over a step up in trip he should enjoy.
The fourth is a maiden over 1800m on turf and I Am A Rock caught the eye in his first two starts on turf when running green from wide draws and looks full of ability. He is a long striding galloper who will relish the step up in trip and should mow them down in the straight. The form of Sherrif Hood’s last start on turf has been franked and he is course and distance suited. Soldiers Code’s best recent run was over 1950m at Scottsville and he should enjoy the return to turf. Delpech is back aboard and the horse should begin improving now too. Royal Champion is drawn well over a suitable course and distance. Jullidar could earn from a good draw.
The fifth is a MR 95 Handicap over 1200m on turf and the talented Executive Power is said by the trainer to have benefitted from gelding so is the one to beat having scraped into the handicap with the minimum weight. The well regarded London Call should have benefitted from his last run and will likely go close despite a big weight. Mr Roy also has plenty of ability and has a chance with Delpech up.
The sixth is a MR 78 Handicap over 1200m on turf and the progressive Top Form will be a tough nut to crack from a good draw as he has speed and class. Var Du Bois ran a fine race behind a decent sort over 1400m on the poly last time and from pole position should be a threat running on over a step down in trip he should appreciate. Gumbi also looks likely from the evidence of his races to date to relish this course and distance.
The seventh is a fillies and mares maiden over 1400m on the turf and Back In Town had some fair Cape Town form and should have benefitted for his last run so can go close over an ideal trip. Glimmer Of Silver will be improving being by Silvano so could go close here over a step up in trip she will appreciate. Fantasy Lady ran on late from a wide draw over course and distance last time and should be doing so again.
The eight is a fillies and mares maiden over 1400m and the Charles Laird-trained first-timer Main Dimension is a half-sister to the useful Winter Star and has little to beat so is the one to beat from a fair draw under Marcus. Swan Dance and Masked Girl make most appeal of the rest.
The last is a maiden over 1400m on the turf and the well regarded Blessed Release finally lands a good draw so is the one to side with over a step up in trip he should enjoy. Jack The Knife has a very wide draw to overcome but should be running on strongly. Hanji improved last time and could also earn.
By David Thiselton
