ANDREW HARRISON
THERE is a low-key meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville today where punters will be thoroughly tested. Nothing stands out as a solid exotic bet banker but if one is looking to cut down on expenses, then Rock Flight in the fourth may fit the bill. Gavin van Zyl’s filly has is showing steady improvement over shorter but is bred to stay this trip.
The opposition is no great shakes but Duquesne Whistle looks to be coming along the right way and is another who should do well over this trip judged on pedigree. Magikos was a distant third last run over ground but gets first time blinkers which could see her improve further.
In the card opener, Dandolo has been rested and gelded but has shown promise. He may just have needed his last run where he showed good pace before fading late but Tony Rivalland’s charge is way better than that showing.
Thumbs Up is a filly taking on males but has useful Highveld form in good company. She is never far back and could give Dandolo most to do. Another threat could come from Ziva La Winter who has been close-up in both handicap starts. He goes well this trip and should contest the finish.
The second is a minefield with plenty in with chances.
Twice As Cold has run two disappointing races in the soft but in her first run on a solid surface she was only caught ate after leading for most of the journey. On exposed form she should take to the poly. Storm Chaser has put in two promising efforts since being gelded but has been caught a little one-pace over the final furlong over a mile. He makes his poly debut and this trip should suit. has shown up nicely in his last two on the turf. The shorter trip on the poly should suit. What A Ryder showed promising improvement in his first local start and looks to be coming to hand while West Coast Lover is showing improvement with each outing and should enjoy the extra.
It may pay to load up this, the first leg, of the PA.
If Dandolo obliges then Tony Rivalland could make it a double with Let’s Go Fly in the opening leg of the Pick 6. The gelding has put in two decent efforts on the poly and meets a particularly weak field here and should make a bold bid. August Red has had plenty of chances but probably needed his last run from a wide draw and can come on from that while Silver Celebrity showed some improvement in cheek pieces last run in weak maiden company.
The fifth is a tricky handicap with most in with chances. Gentleman’s Wager ran below par on the turf last run but his poly form before that was excellent. With a 2.5kg claimer up he should be up there when the whips are cracking. Galway is looking for a winning hat-trick but he did get a five-pound penalty for his last win. He should never the less be competitive again. Run To Denmark has found recent form and stays the trip well. The ‘lurker’ could be Born To Perform. The grey has let the side down lately but may now be looking for this trip and is more than capable on his day.
Herecomestherain only won a maiden last start but was a comfortable winner in spite of losing a shoe. He looks to have some scope and although he meets some hard-knocking handicappers he does appear capable. Running Freely has come on nicely since a rest. He has a good draw and the extra furlong could bring out the best. Lord Wylie is 1.5kg better off with Bedazzled Jocker and can turn the tables although Bedazzled Joker won his last two but is back up the handicap and a wide draw could further hamper his chances.
In the seventh Vihaan’s Pie shows promise and just needed her last run. She can go much closer here. Marsanne comes from a very much in form stable and is back over her best course and distance. She is better off at the weights with Elusive Current but there should not be much between them. Meet At The George was caught out by a wide draw last start so can do better in this small field.
The last is another wide-open affair but Bordeaux showed up well from a wide draw last start. He has run two good races in useful company and from a plum draw should at least contest the finish. Vunderbar has been close-up in fair company since his maiden win and looks capable in this field while Tromso didn’t feature when tried over further from a wide draw but can do better this trip as he was in fair form before his last effort.
