Joshua Hotsnake (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)
Seven races on the poly track face punters at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday with the first race a Maiden Plate over 1400m.
Alyson Wright has got this month off to a flying start as she bids for the KZN Champion Trainer title and saddles Gorgeous Dude who has run two promising races over the trip. He makes his poly debut but he looks to be in a good space. My Boy Lollipop was a close-up second at lengthy odds on debut and steps up in trip. He also takes on older runners but looks to be progressive.
The second is a tricky maiden over a mile. Copacabana made a smart debut for Dennis Bosch but that was over 1200m. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride as the filly goes a mile in the second start. There is nothing in her pedigree that suggests that she won’t stay the trip. Fanie Bronkhorst makes the trip from the Highveld with City Lights that does stay the trip and has improved in a tongue-tie. However, she was a well beaten second last run and has had many chances. Extraction takes on older runners but looks to be the pick of the Mike Miller quartet judged on jockey bookings. She also steps up to a mile for the first time but caught the eye when running on late in a sprint.
The third is an open handicap but Red Roses Too is quick and was not disgraced last time out from a wide draw. Her last win for Stuart Ferrie was over course and distance. There She Goes is drawn widest of the seven runners and makes her poly debut but Weiho Marwing has booked a useful claiming apprentice and she should feature. Convocation has won both starts since returning from a break. She also makes her poly debut and is useful but she took a seven point raise in the handicap for her last win. Gareth van Zyl has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies to counter the handicap. Hot Pearl is difficult to catch right but has her third run after a break and has the best of the draw.
Cape-based Justin Snaith has hit the road running with his runners and Yamadori is way better than his last two starts. He had some promising Cape form before that and although he makes his poly debut, at best could have the measure of this field. Down By The River was not far back in his first run back from the Cape and has a handy weight.
In the fifth, Purple Powahouse has been consistent and was a touch unlucky last run when bumped at the start and losing position. He loves the poly and should put in another forward showing. Dark Tide is down in class and improved in blinkers last run although he did have a light weight. As an older horse he should take to the poly. Stevie Gee was game in defeat last run and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip. He has a light weight to help his cause. Mac Hardy could be the surprise package. He was returning from a long break and in need of his last run. He is lightly raced and one to watch in the market.
In the sixth, Joshua Hotsnake is due a change of fortune after three consecutive runner-up berths. He goes well over course and distance and should contest the finish. Cerulean Dancer takes on males but has consistent Highveld form over the trip for Fanie Bronkhorst. Muzi Yeni stays aboard as she takes to the poly for the first time. Ultra Quick found strong market support last run and won well with first time pacifiers. He looks capable of following up while Kumemori shed his maiden over course and distance and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip with Fourie back on board.
In the last, Wyatt’s Choice is lightly raced and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. The form has been franked so a repeat should see him close again. Banzai Pipeline could be his main threat as he has been consistent and his last win came on this course. Flag Bearer is showing signs of his best form and was not far back over the distance last time out. He should take to the poly. Riccardo has improved with each run of late and just failed last time out. He must have a strong chance of making the frame.
