Greyville stages the third of its popular Friday night series meetings this season and there look to be more good opportunities for punters, starting with Barbosa in the opener.

Barbosa appears to have the first, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1000m, at his mercy as the Dennis Drier-trained gelding is particularly well in at the weights following his Umgeni Handicap win over course and distance on Super Saturday. Viva La Var finished 1,75 lengths behind Barbosa in the Umgeni and is now 1,5kg worse off, but was returning from an eight-month layoff for a knee chip then and should have benefited from the run. Eddie Sweat could fill third place being well drawn and only 0,5kg worse off for a 3,9 length beating by Barbosa over course and distance on Vodacom Durban July day. Prince Of Magic might have needed his last start and could earn. Sheik’s Brashee is second best in at the weights, but is hard to fancy on his last two disappointing runs. Chosen Dash’s winning time over course and distance was a lot slower than Barbosa’s and she is also 5kg under sufferance with the latter.

In the second, a Maiden over 2000m, Township Talk, who can front run and has a nice kick, is the form choice with Anton Marcus up over a suitable trip. However, Forest is likely to improve further over this trip and could be a threat. Red Savage over-raced a little bit over 2000m at Turffontein last time and could do better from a good draw here. Desert Sunset was only 1,5 lengths off Township Talk at Scottsville and has run ran a fair third over 1800m on the poly before. Knockout Johny stayed on over 1600m on the poly last time and could earn.

In the third, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m, Khonza is a full sister to the decent sort Kwinta and will relish the step up in trip. She is tipped to beat Deeyala who is improving and ran a fair race over 1600m last time behind a horse who went on to finish second in a Gr 1. Swiss Note will likely relish the step up in trip. Swan Dance has cracked a good draw for a change which should help her settle over a suitable course and distance. Coastal Spell is not sure to appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m Taku Wind’s course and distance form has worked out well, so as a likely improver he is tipped to win. Shine Up’s course and distance form has also been franked. Texican ran on strongly over 1200m last time and is likely to relish the step up in trip. Streetwear was not disgraced behind a top class sort over this trip at Turffontein last time. Promissory is another who can’t be ignored.

In the fifth over 1400m, Miss Stingray has dropped down to the merit rating of her last career win, which was over this course and distance and she is well drawn. Quintella was a touch unlucky last time over 1200m and should be running on as usual, but she would probably prefer 1200m. Tales Of Mambo hasn’t been harshly treated by the handicapper after winning her maiden over 1600m at Turffontein and the form looks fair. Alcanina’s class is undone by her breathing problems. Seek The Summit has improved and can’t be ignored. Hunger Games could earn if reproducing her best.

In the sixth over 1600m, Baracah ran on well to finish close up the last time he tried this trip and could be dangerous off a two point lower merit rating with a 4kg claimer up. Bold Inspiration enjoys the kinder poly surface due to his foot issues and his class could carry him close. Master Archer won well last time over this trip at Scottsville and can defy a three point raise. Master James is a progressive sort who has won over course and distance but he is returning from a three month layoff. Buffalo Bill is ideally course and distance suited.

In the seventh over 1600m, Variety Romp is reasonably merit rated and interesting running fresh over 1600m having dominated his only start over 1900m. Mambo Mime is a classy sort but has not settled well in his runs to date so it is a concern that he is a young three-year-old running fresh off an 88 merit rating. Astro, Open Heir and Klondike River can’t be ignored.

In the last over 1200m, Hold The Line has been knocking on the door and is course and distance suited. Salesman is also knocking on the door and is drawn well over an ideal course and distance, but does have a big weight to carry. Var’s Dream, Harrison and Delicious Damowin must also be considered.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Barbosa (Nkosi Hlophe)