Punters can get off to a good start on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday if they can sort out which of Tony Rivalland’s s runners is the stable elect.
Mccartney was much improved when third behind the highly rated Kitchakal last time out and a repeat could see him home. Kitchakal is been move to Eric Sands in Cape Town for a crack at the Cape features. Stable companion and lightly raced Word For Word found strong market support last time out when first tired in blinkers. The blinkers stay on but he also gets 2.5kg from the saddle. King’s Spear has the widest draw but is on his best surface and should have a strong chance.
Kom Naidoo has one of the biggest stables in KZN and his runners are always competitive. He saddles Johnny’s Hope who has gone down narrowly at his last two on the poly. The stable is in form and he should go close again. Alyson Wright has also been in good form and Imaginable came in for strong market support on debut but was well beaten. However, the step up in trip and the experience should make him a strong contender. Corsican showed up well over course and distance last run and has a money chance while Manic Monday has only had two starts and improved nicely second time out. The extra may suit. One to watch in the market. Paris Pike has been improving slowly and takes a big jump in trip. He gets a more experienced rider aboard.
The third is a difficult lower division handicap but Khanyisa Indlela is lightly raced and has done well on the poly. He may just have needed his last two and should strip at his best here. Fever has drawn widest of all but has good form on the poly and stays the trip. He also comes from a very much in form yard. Seattle Beat comes off some fair PE form although the poly may be a concern. He does have the best of the draw.
In the fourth Global Dollar has improved with each outing and was a very easy maiden winner last start. He meets little of note here and can follow up even though this is a handicap. His biggest danger could be Metallic Gold who goes best on the poly and is down in class. Although he takes a corresponding rise in weight he should go close in this line-up. Maximus has come to hand nicely and should be involved in the finish.
Tony Rivalland appears to have picked the right race in the fifth. Down in the handicap over his best course and distance he should be a big contender in a tricky handicap. Patronage has been taking on much stronger at recent outings. But although carrying top weight he does get 1.5kg relief in the saddle which should make him a strong contender. Gentleman’s Wager is back over his best surface and distance and has been holding form well. The blinkers come off Spy Master after a relatively disappointing last effort and he can do better here.
Mark Dixon has taken his time with Shell Seeker who has had her fair share of problems but showed signs of coming to hand with a promising last run. She could he hard to beat but is not necessary reliable. Meteotic makes the first runner in KZN for Highveld-based trainer Robyn Classen who has taken over a number of champion trainer Paul Peter’s horses. The filly goes very well on the poly and from the best of the draw should make a bold bid. Birdwatcher is always game and although tasking a two-pound knock in the handicap for her last start she must have a decent chance here and Not Now Pussycat is never far back and has a good money chance.
The seventh is another difficult handicap. Gary Rich has been patient with Corner Crusade who is not the easiest but seldom runs a bad race. She now gets a 2.5kg claimer up and the one-pound drop in the handicap could see her home. Second Breath comes off a comfortable maiden win at the Vaal. The experiment with blinkers did not work out so her penultimate run is best ignored. She is on the up. Boldly Go goes very well over course and distance. She has also taken a slight drop in the handicap but should be competitive. Princess Tea is showing signs of coming to hand and did improve back in blinkers. One to watch.
In the last, Bonne Bouche gave the impression that she was way better than her first effort in handicap company. She is lightly raced and looks useful. Morgan Le Fay has good form over shorter but has the best of the draw and her rider knows her well. While Aisling has patchy form but is more than capable on her day coming from an in-form yard. Enid’s Girl shows some promise and with De Melo up, cannot be ignored.
