Some tricky handicaps head up the Hollywoodbets Greyville on the poly next Wednesday headed by a fillies and mares handicap sprint where Red Roses Too is back on her favoured surface. Stuart Ferrie’s filly is quick and although she has a big weight, she looks capable in this field. Contra Fiscum did not start well for her new stable but Kom Naidoo had penciled in an inexperienced apprentice. She was an impressive maiden winner on the poly when making her KZN debut and a repeat of that showing could see her a big threat to Red Roses Too. Love Bomb has been difficult to catch right but she will land another win for Frank Robinson at some stage. This could be her optimum trip. Aisling has not been far back at her last two over the trip. She has dropped in the ratings and must have a winning chance.
The last is a competitive handicap where Bowie could finally have his consistency rewarded. Garth van Zyl’s runner is never far off them and is due a change of fortune. He is over his best course and distance and has smart young apprentice James Lihaba claiming the 1.5kg. William Rufus is Dean Kannemeyer’s only runner on the day. The gelding has his third run after a break and is holding form. He should make a bold bid. The grey Voldemort has been a touch unlucky at his last two but Richard Fourie is back in the irons after being ‘taken out’ at his penultimate start. Last One Standing has run two smart races since his maiden win. He has been rested but appears to have some scope.
The card opener is a seriously weak maiden but Smashing makes the trip from the Highveld and Clinton Binda appears to have picked the right race. Sweet Julia is struggling to improve but has a chance in this field while Ladies Day is a long time battler but has shown patches of ability. Much better than her last effort.
In the first leg of the PA, Gareth van Zyl appears to hold the whip hand. True Love’s Kiss has made steady improvement and has Gavin Lerena aboard. However, stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa rides Canford Queen who finished behind her stable mate last run. Both try the poly for the first time. Accumulate improved last run and although she has patchy form, at best she can go close in this line-up.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 Iron Monger has been consistent on the turf. He is back on the poly and tries first time blinkers. Electric Storm was not far back on the poly last time out with the blinkers removed they are back on here. King’s Island has some fair poly form but was a beaten favourite on the turf last run. He can make amends.
In the fourth Rodriguez has been banging on the door of late and should be able to beat the three-point raise in the handicap after his second last time out. Shoot The Rapids has only had three starts and made a smart handicap debut. He looks progressive while African Dusk was a narrow winner last time out but finished off his race well and the extra furlong should suit. Lucretius was much improved last run. He stays the trip and has the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance.
Binda saddles Esquevelle in the fifth that comes with some useful Highveld form over the trip. He is a seven-time winner and the switch to the poly should suit. Lunarcam and Donquerari met last time out with a head between them. Louis Goosen’s runner is 0.5kg better off in the handicap but there should be little in it. Goosen has a second string to his bow in Mask On who stepped out of the maidens into an 80MR handicap and landed the winner’s cheque at long odds. He takes a further step up in class but only has 52kg to shoulder.
Vision Of Will has come good for Paul Gadsby having finished in the money at her last five outings and looks the part in the seventh. She gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle and from a neat draw should be a big runner. Arverni Princess can round off a good day for the Goosen stable and all though his filly is 1.5 kg worse off on their last meeting she has been knocking at the door for some time now and can turn the tables. Kennedy made a winning local debut over the distance. Lightly raced she makes her poly debut and can follow up. Full Of Magic has been consistent and from a good draw and Richard Fourie up she is a must for all exotics.
