Punters face a competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville next Wednesday with some difficult handicap form to unravel. The two early races look the most inviting followed by the ninth. What happens in between will a combination of skill and luck in running.
Three runners stand out in the card opener. Warhawk Bomber has had three starts for Weichong Marwing, two no shows on the turf and one cracker on the poly. He is back on the synthetic surface and should go close on a repeat showing. Lashlaroo caught the eye when running on well on debut for the very much in form Frank Robinson stable. He has the widest draw but should have benefitted from the experience. Andy Coogle is way better than his last run. Four of his five starts have been in soft ground and was much improved on firmer going with first-time blinkers. Kom Naidoo has switched him to the poly which could be an inspired move.
In the second Phaka Imali has been a model of consistency for Gary Rich and has been close-up over course and distance at his last three. Richard Fourie, who is now contracted to ride the Hollywood Syndicate horses, is again aboard and will know what to expect from his mount. Nathan Kotzen has dropped Trade War down in class. His recent form has been on the turf but as an older horse he should not be bothered by the switch to poly and looks a threat.
Alyson Wright could get the PA off on the right footing with Activator who is having his third run for the stable. In his first on the poly ran out a narrow maiden winner over course and distance. He had a tough draw that day and that form has since been franked. He meets a modest line-up and from a plum draw can go in again. Doug Campbell saddles Lazy Guy who has only won once in 33 starts but has placed 19 times. The addition of a tongue-tie and a drop in class last run saw him touched off and a repeat will make him a big runner.
The fourth is an open handicap but Clinton Binda makes the trip from the Highveld with Black Egret who has not been out of the first two in his last four starts. He switches to the poly but the trip suits and he rates a strong winning chance. Proud Master is something of a poly specialist, winning his last three on the surface for Stuart Ferrie. He has been creeping up the handicap but did get a five-point shunt for his last win. He has top weight but can go in again. Mr Master Starter was second best behind former stable companion Waterberry Lane but he has also been consistent and looks the pick of Dean Kannemeyer’s two runners while Donquerari is another who boast consistent form and Louis Goosen’s stable is in hot form at present. He won in this class two runs back and is only three-pounds worse off in the handicap.
The fifth is an impossible handicap to punter with any confidence. Four of the eight runners finished behind Vision Of Will last time out with very little separating all five but Paul Gadsby’s mare won well enough to confirm the result and the stable has found form of late. Tristan Godden and Gavin Lerena swop mounts for Kom Naidoo. Hereinafter was the furthest back behind Vision Of Will but there was less than a length separating the four runners. Sorting out between War Empress, Hereinafter, Will O Me and Fashion Mistress is a guessing game. Kian’s Pride was a recent maiden winner taking on older horses but she is by far the highest rated and should have more improvement to come.
Clinton Binda has a strong hand in another open handicap with Dontshootthebarman and Esquvelle the pair second and first respectively last time out. Dontshootthebarman has finished runner-up at his last three over the distance and twice on the poly. He is 1.5kg better off with Esquvelle which should be enough to turn the tables. Big Slick made sudden improvement under apprentice Brevan Plaatjies last start and needs to confirm.
Fish Eagle is another Binda runner in the seventh. He was a distant fourth when making his poly debut but the unbeaten winner Mexican Pete won by a street so fourth was not a bad effort. From a good draw he can make the required improvement. Justfortheepenny has found form as a seven-year-old and was narrowly beaten from a tough draw last time out. He goes an extra furlong for Nathan Kotzen but with some luck in running he should see it out. Dark horse is Impartial. MJ Odendaal jumps him in trip but has been improving steadily and has a light weight. He could be the surprise package.
Hugsandhighfives has the widest draw in the eighth but also the strongest form. Garth Puller’s filly loves the poly and has Richard Fourie to guide her home. Puller has a second string to his bow in Petit Verdot who has been consistent of late. She also has consistent form on the poly and a better draw. Star Choice is a veteran having her 50th outing for Frank Robinson. She started favourite over course and distance last time out and went down narrowly. Sting Ray was not disgraced when trying a mile from a wide draw on the poly. Tienie Prinsloo’s mare should enjoy the drop in trip and her 1.5kg allowance.
The ninth could rest between Isorender and Josephine’s Pride. Isorender has come on with each outing and Dean Kannemeyer’s charge looks prime for this maiden handicap. Josephine’s Pride has been a beaten favourite at his last three outings but was a close-up second last run and his two best efforts have been on the poly. Muzi Yeni is back on board.
