Keagan de Melo, back to Hong Kong later this month, did his old boss Dean Kannemeyer proud last Wednesday with two winners. With stable rider Craig Zackey on holiday, KZN-based Sean Veale has been spreading his talent country-wide and keeps the ride on Mc Dazzler for Kannemeyer in the first at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
Mc Dazzler gets one more chance. He had every chance last run under Veale on the turf in first time blinkers but was rather one-paced and finished out of the money. However, his two best efforts have been on the poly over course and distance and he can finally come to the party.
Should he fail again, Galactus could pick up the pieces as he makes his poly debut over what should prove to be a more suitable trip given his pedigree. Although a well-beaten third last run this trip should suit. Record High has run his two best races on the poly and with the best of the draw he should make a bold bid and is a must in all calculations.
Deception Pass could be one of the better bets on a competitive card. The Highveld visitor has not been out of the money in six starts and will be looking to break a string of runner-up berths. He makes his poly debut but is a lightly raced four-year-old and should take to the surface. Teriyaki has another wide draw to contend with but is seldom too far back and should finish in the money but the dark horse could be Turn Around who was a beaten favourite at just his second start after making a promising debut and can do better this trip.
Burning Man is the obvious choice in the first leg of the Pick 6. He makes his poly debut on the back of three runner-placings and a beaten favourite at his last two. He was caught late last run and should make another bold effort. Red Mountain is seldom far back and has been consistent of late. Robbie Hill’s runner stays the trip and should be right there. Bella’s Pablo has his best recent run on the poly and two good efforts since returning from the Cape. He should also be a big runner.
Thinks get a lot more difficult from here on. Aberdeen has been disappointing after showing early promise but he did show a return to form when tried on the poly last time out. Glen Kotzen’s runner looks well handicapped and could start at tempting odds. Alyson Wright saddles likely favourite Pirate Prince who has been racing in much stronger company of late and although not winning he has not been far off. Rachel Venniker takes 1.5kg off his back to enhance his chances. Visiting Viva Spirit has patchy Highveld form but is useful on his day. If he takes to the poly he could be dangerous along with My Lady Soul who takes on males. Although a well-beaten third behind Mascherina last time out, Mascherina has since gone on to frank that form in feature company.
The fifth is another competitive handicap. Visiting mare Linganomore will strip a fit horse after racing five time within the last month and she was a close-up second last time out. She has run on the poly and is never far back. Dennis Bosch appears to have slipped Ocean Palace under the radar. Although a well-beaten third last run that form has since been franked in better company and she looks well weighted with Rachel Venniker’s allowance. There is not much to Roy’s Rocker but she is as game as they come. However, she picked up an unwanted seven-pound penalty for her modest fourth place last time out which could be her undoing.
Corne Spies saddles Zoombomber in the sixth who is showing signs of returning to his best form. He has done well on the poly before and although this is a tricky handicap he should at least finish in the money. Secret Recipe takes on males but has consistent Highveld form and was a comfortable winner last time out. She has started favourite at her last two starts and the synthetic surface should suit. Shoefella made a winning debut on the poly but also raced in first time blinkers. A repeat effort could see him follow up. There should be little between L’Ultimo and Bally Magic with less than a length between them when last they met. Both have wide draws to contend with.
Two veterans of the turf could fight out the seventh albeit on the poly. Preemptive Strike bids for his sixth win, his last coming over course and distance. He has run two gallant places over a furlong further at recent outings and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip. The year older Knight Warrior bids for his eighth win and goes well over course and distance. Rachel Venniker’s allowance could prove the difference between winning and losing. Zanthar is a recent Highveld maiden winner. He has shown plenty in useful company but the male juvenile form of last season does seem suspect. That said, he cannot be left out of any calculations. Mar Del Plata is relatively lightly raced but has not been out of the money since shedding his maiden and must have a winning chance.
A tricky handicap faces punters in the last. Vision Of Will is at her best over course and distance and has been touched off at her last two. She now gets a 4kg claimer up from the best of the draw and can go all the way. Arverni Princess is at her best on the poly but found stable companion Drive By too good for her last time out. The tables could be turned given the turnover in weights. Surprise package could be visiting King Harry. The five-year-old has only had three starts for no show but the switch to poly with blinkers could bring out the best. Watch the betting here.
