Champions Season produced some epic racing and some deserving champions but it is back to the supporting cast at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday where putters are faced with a programme of maidens and competitive handicaps.
First up is a maiden sprint where the lightly raced four-year-old Apex Predator has been a beaten favourite at his last two starts. He was close-up second at his last run on this course and can go one better from a good draw. Warhead started at fairly long odds on debut but showed up well behind the well-tried Trippi T. He should benefit from the experience and will be a big threat to Garth Puller’s runner. Finalmente raced green on debut but gets first time blinkers from a good draw and can make the required improvement along with Amor Fati who comes from a very much in form stable. He improved nicely second time out and should be thereabouts
There are many first timers in the opening leg of the PA however, Real War was not far back behind the smart winner Henry Harvey and with a 4kg claimer up he does look to be the horse to beat. Luneluck made his debut against winners and was a long way behind Dantonfromsandton. He meets a lot weaker here and with the experience is sure to improve on his debut effort. Claude Monet should improve on his debut effort as should Actor although both have drawn wide. The betting should be your best guide in this race.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky maiden where many can make sudden improvement and again the betting should prove a guide. However, Yellow Jacket found the 1950m too far last time out after some improved showings prior to that. She has a tricky draw to contended with but also has a useful 4kg claimer aboard. Her Royalty has shown some ability, stays the trip and should be running on late. Oh Mandy comes with modest Cape form as she makes her local debut but is one to watch closely in the market. Visiting trainer Alec Laird has a number of runners on the day so it could pay to keep an eye on first-timer Tuscan Star.
Qondanekukhanyeni could be one of the better best on the card after finding strong market support last run after a couple of modest sprints. She found one to good but the step up in trip could suit. Corrie Lensley is a rare visitor to these shores and sends out Angel Of My Heart who has consistent Highveld form over ground and that form could prove superior to the local. Hurricane Flight has improved at recent starts and appears to have come to hand. She stays the trip and a repeat of her latest should see her back in the money. Muzi Yeni has jumped ship on Qondanekukhanyeni which could prove significant. Yeni has been replaced on Rainbow Of Roses by 4kg claimer Nurvan Nastili and from the best of the draw must have a winning chance.
Punters looking to cut down on their perms could look to Trustova has been knocking on the door for some time now. He gets first time blinkers and can make the required improvement in the fifth. However, Field Marshal looks progressive and although he goes this trip for the first time, he has been consistent over shorter. The stable is in good form of late and are astute in training stayers. Tin Cup is holding form well and although his last two starts have been on the poly he is equally effective on the turf.
Andre Nel is never one to rush his runners and Ladybug made a promising debut late last season and followed up with a comfortable win. She switches to the turf and could prove too strong for this line-up. Golden Moment was a narrow winner on debut and her two handicap efforts have been promising. She makes her local debut from a good draw and can make a strong bid. Lady Elliot takes on a little stronger here but comes with useful Highveld form. She was a beaten favourite last time out and Muzi Yeni is back on board.
The last two races are wide open handicaps. In the seventh, Stevie Gee has done most of his recent racing on the poly but he has been consistent and was a beaten favourite at his last two. The extra furlong could now be what he’s looking for. Doug Campbell’s runner Lake Como has been taking on stronger at recent outings. He has the best of the draw and is over his optimum trip. Copper John comes with modest Highveld form but all over further. The drop in trip could see him competitive along with Brass Bell who is never far off. All his recent form has been on the poly but the switch should not trouble him.
The last is another tough handicap but Yogas Govender could come to the rescue with Grovefield who has shown ability and has been taking on stronger since shedding his maiden. He returns from a short break but if anywhere near racing fit, he should make a bold bid. Lashlaroo returns from a lengthy break after finding a mile well out of his compass but he has shown promise and back over what looks to be a more suitable trip he could be the surprise package. One Too Many won well on the poly last run but goes well this trip and with a 4kg claimer up he should be competitive again. Professor Lupin could well prove to be the best of Alyson Wright’s trio given the jockey bookings.
