Andrew Harrison

IF one gets through to the last leg of the Pick 6 unscathed, it can be a little nerve wracking if one has to rely on a last leg banker.

That may be the case at Hollywoodbets Greyville tomorrow where punters face a tricky build-up to the last leg and many will be relying on the Alyson Wright-trained Predator to oblige for them to collect.

Predator looks to be the most obvious exotic bet banker after being narrowly beaten at his last two and a repeat should see him hard to beat in this line-up.

Glacier Rush, Whateverittakes and Rock With Me, three that strike as the principal dangers, have all been soundly beaten by Predator in the past. Tilmeeth has been a touch disappointing but has shown some recent improvement and was not far back over course and distance last time out and could be a threat.

One to keep an eye on is Arminius who has improved with each outing for his new stable and any market support will warrant serious consideration.

Racey Stacey could oblige in the opening leg of the Pick 6. Little was expected of her at just her second start where she was easy to back, but she made good improvement over the extra ground and looks progressive.

A pair that could spoil expectations are Flymefree and Maxine Du Monde.

Flymefree steps up to a more suitable trip and although she has a wide draw to contend with, she looks set to improve especially as Robbie Hill has booked Anton Marcus for the ride. The Mark Dixon yard has made a welcome return to form and Maxine Du Monde was much improved last run when switching to the poly. You could write your own ticket about her chances that day but she will be at much shorter odds this time around.

The first leg of the jackpot is something of a minefield with all eight runners in with a winning chance should they produce their best. Dancing Feather is always threatening and it is a little surprising that she has only won twice to date. That can change tomorrow as she showed up well in a recent sprint and should be more effective over this trip. Purple Persuasion had Dancing Feather behind her when last they met and although she was a narrow winner last start that form has since been franked with second-placed Marsanne winning her next start. Purple Persuasion is not well in at these weights but this is her third run after a break and there could be more to come. Of the balance, Electric Surge goes well on the poly and is re-united with Marcus while Rille has been consistent of late and goes well over course and distance. Mary O has been disappointing since her second in the WSB Fillies Guineas but she has been rested and is obviously capable on her day.

In the fifth, Dennis Drier’s charge Caliente is something of a poly specialist, his last two wins coming on this surface. He only got a one-point rise for his last win and can go in again. Williams Land is drawn widest but it is a small field and judged on jockey allocations he looks the pick of the Kannemeyer trio. He was finishing off nicely over 1400m last run and the extra furlong should suit. African Sunrise hardly raised a gallop when tried in blinkers with Marcus giving up on the gelding a long way out. Wendy Whitehead’s runner is way better than that effort and may be worth one more chance with the blinkers removed. Born To Perform was another that hardly raised a gallop last outing but he gets first time blinkers which could see him find his best.

The sixth is a five-furlong dash and again there are a host of possibilities. Valiente has not been the easiest to follow but has a lot in his favour here. Although up in class he has the best of the draw and only 49.5kg on his back so he should make a bold showing. Coldhardcash is back over his favourite course and distance and his last run on the turf from a wide draw is best ignored. Hopskipandjump, stable companion to Valiente, is still going up the ratings. He is way better than his last effort and his regular pilot is back on board. Veteran Di Mazzio is always game and is also back over his best course and distance and Louis Goosen has booked Marcus for the ride. Ziva La Winter is the only three-year-old in the race and was a recent easy maiden winner. However, he looks useful and although jumping in class he can finish in the money.

The seventh is another open handicap. Velvet Season is battling for his second win and he could start at generous odds. He is never far back and goes very well over course and distance. Track Attack is also course and distance suited and has been consistent. He has a handy weight and should be right there. Of the balance, Arrow’s Mark has been in good form and his last win was over course and distance while Gentleman’s Wager has put in three smart recent efforts on the poly and was a close-up second last start. He must also rate a strong chance.