On course punters will need to put their running shoes on and those off course their smart phones and computers handy as the first of the season’s Quickfire 20/20 meetings takes place at Greyville tonight. Nine races 20 minutes apart does not leave much time for thought so it’s best to work out your bets well before hand so as not to be left at the start.
With races alternating between jockeys’ and apprentices’ things are evened out somewhat but that does not make things any easier on what looks to be another tricky off-season card.
A five-furlong dash for the jocks heads proceedings and Anton Marcus appears to have picked another plum ride in Tony Rivalland’s charge Al Ciberano in the fifth on the card. The gelding hardly ever runs a bad race and only just failed when tried in blinkers last time out. Marcus has been in outstanding form of late and is a master of the poly track. Out My Way surprised last run and his two recent outings on the poly have been good. He can go close with this weight. Fire The Rocket is over his best course and distance and found good market support at his last start while Panza didn’t show in the soft ground at Scottsville but has consistent form before. He will be super fit.
The Lucas Lee & Associates Handicap is one for the apprentices in what looks to be a decidedly tricky affair. Master Of Mischief is long overdue and was narrowly beaten when taking on stronger at his last start. He also had the worst of the draw that day. He has a lot in his favour this time around and Wendy Whitehead’s runner looks the pick of the field. However, Dean Kannemeyer is starting to send out more runners from his satellite yard after a break from AHS vaccinations and a honeymoon and Soldier’s Code is sure to improve on his latest start where he looked in need of the outing. He has useful poly form and with a run under his girth should feature. Big Si had his consistency rewarded when a narrow winner last start and with a light weight and four-claimer Dennis Schwarz in mustard form he must be a threat.
Nothing on the card stands out as a solid exotic bet banker but Duncan Howells can round off the meeting when he saddles Wild Wicket. The Dynasty colt made a very tardy start when backed in to even money favourite last time out and was also green in the running. He will have benefitted from the experience around the turn and the extra will suit. Howells says he’s a nice horse and should be right there if not too green in his first start on the poly.
Mr O’Neill made a smart debut before running Gr2 winner Zodiac Ruler to half-a-length at his second start. He started favourite for his next two outings but disappointed on both occasions. Kannemeyer has declared blinkers this time around and if he doesn’t feature again he could be in for the unkindest cut of all. Principate has come to hand of late. He was a close-up second to stable companion For Ever last run for Lowan Denysschen and was the more fancied of the two stable runners. Roy’s Past. has come good on the poly and stays the trip and can feature in the shake-up while Air Salute will much prefer this trip and looks set to improve.
Andrew Harrison
