The test gallops for the rejuvenated Polytrack took place last week. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Hollywoodbets Greyville poly meetings are rarely greatly anticipated, but this week’s Wednesday meeting is being anticipated with excitement because the track has been rejuvenated to the instructions of the dynamic new leadership of Hollywoodbets and is looking in world class condition.
It won’t be an easy meeting for punters, because the rains have probably left some runners short of a gallop, whilst some of the poly specialists have had delayed programs in anticipation of the reopening of the poly, but the surface is likely to be kind to the horses and fair to all the runners.
The highest rated race is a Middle Stakes event over 2000m which forms the first leg of the Pick 6. The one to beat could be Blackberry Malt, who finished second in the East Cape’s biggest race, the Algoa Cup over this distance last October. Interestingly, the Algoa Cup was run on the poly on that occasion due to inclement weather. Blackberry Malt has also performed well on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly before. Blackberry Malt is back to the same mark he ran in the Algoa Cup off, so he should go close from a middle draw under Cole Dicken, who won on him over 1800m on the turf the last time the six-year-old Ideal World gelding was at this venue. Trois Trois Quatre enjoys the poly and will be running on strongly after likely being dropped out from a wide draw. African Dusk will relish being back on the poly and should make a nold bid over a suitable trip from a good draw. Johnny The Thief should make a bold bid from pole position. Field Marshall is onsistent nad can never be ignored.
In the first race of the day Cherry Oh Baby has never run on the poly before and has to carry topweight in the Open Maiden event, but her form looks superior and Andrew Fortune should bring her home. Doin’ Time is interesting receiving 3kg as he went close in an Open Maiden when last trying this course and distance. Fantasy League could earn with a low weight from pole position.
In the second over 1800m, also an Open Maiden, Master Bomber has a wide draw to overcome but brings some decent Cape Town form and might be too good despite having to carry topweight. In form Nathan Kotzen sends out Black Platina, who should give a good account of himself. Silver Platter, Many Waters and Parliament Square could also be involved.
In the third over 1800m Kadizora might take well to the poly and this hard-knocking sort could gain an overdue second career win over a suitable trip. Juliet Tango has decent Highveld form and could make a bold bid too. Grand Occasion could be in the shake up too from a good draw over a suitable trip.
In the fifth race over 1600m Numzaan has done well in KZN since relocating from cape Town and can overcome a five point raise. The consistent Eventidor should be in the shake up. Rastignac should enjoy the return to poly.
In the sixth over 1600m Gentleman Joe has a wide draw too but brings some good recent Cape Town form. Few Dollars More lacks a recent run but loves the poly and from a good draw over a uitable trip could go close. Go Grayson Go is a decent sort who has run well on the poly before and he could go close despite a wide draw.
In the seventh over 1200m Drive By relished the step down to sprints about a year ago and has been consistent ever since and won well from a wide draw over this trip on the Greyville turf last time so could follow up off a four point higher mark. Quentasia should finish close to Drive By on the form of their last meeting. Heirloom could go close if able to get prominent early.
In the eighth over 1200m Icy Lancaster might enjoy the step down in trip and can beat Dafne’s Daughter and Our Lady Fate.
The last race could see African Prince converting some good Cape Town form from pole position. Ibutho is off a competitive mark and might enjoy the step back to 1200m. Lucky Dollar might also do wll running fresh over a trip too sharp.
