Racing was supposed to have made a long awaited return to Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday but persistent thunderstorms over the past week have forced Gold Circle to make an early decision to move the meeting to the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The course recorded 24 mm on Thursday night for a total of 96 mm in the past eight days with more rain predicted for the weekend.

With the change of venue, draws in the sprint races due to have been on the straight course, become an issue so punters are advised to update changes before placing bets.

A seriously difficult card is headed by the African Holly Handicap (Non-black type) but it was a case of deja vu for Ishnana who was due to return to what is regarded as his favoured course and distance. It was a similar scenario as his previous start as that race was also moved to Greyville in the face of a waterlogged Scottsville and denied apprentice Siphesihle Hlengwa his possible first winner as he was one race short of qualifying to race around the turn.

Cole Dicken picked up the winning ride and in spite of a tardy start, finished strongly to beat the smart Chantyman. In spite of his age, Ishnana gave notice that there is still plenty of life in him yet as he was running on strongly behind Mount Pleasant and Socrates at his penultimate start before his last success. Serino Moodley does duty from the saddle this time around.

Against Ishnana is that he took a six-point hike in the handicap which could leave the path open for Spydas Corner. He hardly ever runs a bad race but most of his recent form has been on the turf. However, he has done well on the poly and this is his third run after a break.

Louis Goosen has been going through a quiet period and that could change with Good Rhythm. He is always game and consistent and with a handy weight can make it into the winner’s circle.

The card opener looks like a Mike Miller benefit, saddling four of the seven runners, but experience can be a great leveller. Sweeter Than Honey found some market support on debut and should progress as should Spring Fever that showed some pace on debut. The betting should be your best guide.

In the second, The Brief (SCRATCHED) has made steady improvement. He was narrowly beaten last start and looks the part although Beechamwood Boy is way better than his last run when trying further and is back over his best trip. He is currently drawn 13.  

Amarandi let the side down when favourite last run and now makes her poly debut in the third. She has a reasonable gate at five and can make amends. Raspberry Beret comes from an in-form yard and has improved with each outing but now has the worst of the draw at 11. Sky Café is drawn one gate better at 10. She is way better than her last effort and must have a chance on her smart previous showing.

In the fourth, Bella Siccome (SCRATCHED) took a fair hike in the ratings after her last win and takes on males. However, she does have a handy galloping weight, shows some class and is at home on the synthetic surface. Master Of Destiny took a hefty hike up the handicap after his last win but has been consistent against stronger and can go in again. The blinkers come off Prince Of Taranto who has not been far back at recent outings and shed his maiden on the poly. Removing the blinkers could be a master stroke by Tony Rivalland.

Gaudis Masterpiece makes his poly debut and does not have the best of the draw in the fifth but with a claiming apprentice up he is best in at the weights. He is a recent maiden winner but can follow up. Master Vision (SCRATCHED) has shown steady form over further and has not been far back at recent outings while stable companion Justfortheepenny has been knocking on the door for some time now. Blinkers go on and is possibly over a better trip.

The sixth is a difficult handicap. Rockie Reef was a recent maiden winner but the second-placed runner has been consistent but battling to win, finishing second again last Wednesday. Rise is never far back and stays the trip well. She has a four-claimer up and can feature again. Que For You is a confirmed front-runner and hung on gamely for her latest success. She has done well on the poly.

In the last, fancied runners Cape Eagle and Blaze Of Silk have been withdrawn because of the change in venue which could leave the way clear for the consistent Hampton Court. He is always game and has been taking on stronger with good success of late and rates a strong chance. Faustino is not the easiest but won well enough last run to suggest that he has a bright chance in this line-up. Not an easy race to end with.

Source: https://www.goldcircle.co.za/ishnana-back-on-home-turf/  (Andrew Harrison)