After the highs of the Hollywoodbets Durban July meeting it is back to bread-and-butter on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Sunday.
The best bet could come in the card opener where Dean Kannemeyer sends out Avernian Goddess. The stable did not enjoy a happy July meeting with Gimme’s Princess and Green With Envy not running up to expectations, but Avernian Goddess can sweeten the mood.
She has finished runner-up in all three of her starts and although a beaten 1-4 favourite last time out she can make amends back on the poly although she does face some stiff opposition. Like A Butterfly has been close-up at her last two when dropped back to a sprint but has had plenty of opportunity but so has Head Girl who has her 15th bite at the cherry. Her best recent form has been on the poly but she goes well this trip.
The second is a tricky maiden but Isorender found good market support last run and ran a much improved race. A repeat should see him in the firing line. Bella’s Pablo has not been far back in recent Cape form. He meets a modest field and should be competitive. Uncle Lucky has been improving slowly. Cheek pieces replace the blinkers and he can go close on his best showing while although Castle Mey was a distant third last run he gets first time blinkers and can show further improvement.
The third is a competitive handicap but Allaroundtheword has been knocking at the door for his next win and has good form on the poly. He stayed on nicely last start. Danger could be National Dream who has his third run after a break and with Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance he should be competitive. Porfirio goes well over course and distance. He has a plum draw with the experienced Gavin Lerena aboard. Fish Eagle is always dangerous on the poly and is way better than his last effort.
In the first leg of the jackpot, Jane’s Vision has done well over course and distance and is overdue another win but faces plenty of opposition in a tough handicap. Prankster has made some recent improvement in blinkers and has taken a slight drop in the handicap which will help. Poppy Of Bayeux is back over her best trip with a light weight and should make an impression while the blinkers come off Beaded Gown and with a 4kg claimer aboard and a light weight she could surprise.
One Too Many was narrowly beaten when taking on stronger last time out and could be the answer in another difficult race. This is his third run after a break and Lerena stays with the ride. Bless Me Fred is quick and not been far behind at recent outings. The poly may suit and he could be hard to catch with a 4kg claimer aboard. Stable companion Chara Sands goes well on the poly and is never far back. She gets stable rider Rachel Venniker aboard but the claimer could be of more benefit for Bless Me Fred. Ndaka won well last time out but takes on stronger from a wide draw.
The sixth is another wide open handicap but Puff of Smoke has come good of late and was a smart second over course and distance last time out. She has another good draw and should be competitive. Miss Lialah has the best of the draw and is over what looks to be her optimum course and distance while although Princess Analia was a touch disappointing last run she is back over her best distance. She is knocking at the door for her next win. Purple Flower is never far off but has a wide draw to contend with.
Count Marsh could be the value bet on the day. He has been knocking on the door of late and was narrowly beaten from a tough draw last time out. He should make a bold bid. The filly Devils And Dust is over her best course and distance and looks well in at the weights. She could be a threat. There should not be anything between Fate Of Fortune and Brave Voyager, a short head between them when last they met over a furlong shorter. The latter could prevail again as he his slightly better off at the weights without Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance.
Global Secret could round off the card. Although she takes on males she has been consistent over course and distance and should put in another good effort. L’Ultimo been struggling off his handicap mark but takes a five-point drop which could see him surprise on his best form. Bally Magic has smart recent form over course and distance. He did get a five-point jump in the handicap for his last win but he should still be competitive. Knight Warrior has come to hand of late and the stable is in good form so should be included in all exotic bets.
