Andrew Harrison
THE Gauteng raiders are in town with Dorrie Sham, Weiho Marwing, Tony Nassif and Clinton Binda all having runners at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon.
The poly track may be the main attraction and their runners could leave the locals scratching for pennies in the shallow end of the purse if things go their way.
It’s not an easy card but Sham and Marwing could dominate the card opener as both of their runners come with promising form. Marwing’s filly Gin And Tonic is already having her fourth race and has the better time of the two. She has also beaten Sham’s runner Southern Cape who has only had two outings so can still improve a length or two. Local hopes will probably rest with Gavin van Zyl’s filly Crimson Causeway who was backed into the red on debut. She has had the benefit of a race around the turn and could repel the Highveld challenge.
Should Crimson Causeway obliged for Van Zyl, the Summerveld trainer could make it a quick double with Stanton Street. He has been struggling to win but his recent form over course and distance has been useful. Highveld raiders Sonny Quinn and Life Goes On will be threats. Sonny Quinn has consistent form over the trip and Marcus has been booked which is an indication of what the stable expects. Life Goes On is Clinton Binda’s only runner on the day. He was a distant second to what looks to be a useful sort on Al Sakeet. The blinkers have brought him on and he can finish in the money again.
Sham’s runner Zodiac Princess has gone close on many occasions but just not been able to crack it. She tries the poly and from a good draw and Marcus up she may be the one to be with. Van Zyl sends out Another Love who has shown her best on the poly but may have found her last start too far. From a good draw over this shorter trip she should be competitive. Miss Missouri and Bright Eyed Girl are others to consider.
In the first leg of the Jackpot, Flying Peter tries blinkers for the first time. He has been a beaten favourite on a number of occasions but over an ideal trip and a good draw he should go close. Deorsa is lightly raced and was a close-up second when favourite last time out. He looks the biggest threat to the selection. Of the others, Gimme A Rainbow appears to have come to hand after a much improved last run and from a plum draw can be right there while Story Book does not have the best of draws but his best recent effort has been over course and distance.
Koopa Troopa could possibly shape up as the card banker. Lezeanne Forbes’ filly made a smart debut over a similar trip at long odds. She makes her poly debut but a repeat should at least see her in the money. Simply Complicated has had three local outings and makes her poly debut. Marcus has been booked but she does look held by Koopa Troopa on their last meeting. Gypsy Magic has run one good race in six and that was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and she is way better than her last run. With Kennedy booked for the ride from a shrewed stable, she is one for bigger perms.
The Bayou had the misfortune of being disqualified last run after an objection by the clerk of scales but he is in very good form and with Marcus booked for the ride he must have a bright chance of redeeming himself. Forbes holds a strong hand with recent maiden winners Origami and Fat Cigar. The Origami form has worked out well and he can go in again but so has the form of Fat Cigar and apprentice Kyle Strydom retains the ride.
The seventh is a seriously difficult fillies handicap. Justadoreher has run her best recent races on the poly and although she steps up a furlong in trip she does have the best of the draw. Irish Belle has been ridden without any restraint in all of her starts. She is super quick but if Muzi Yeni can get her to settle she can be super competitive in this field. Satara has come good of late after dropping in the handicap. She is slightly under sufferance but put in a smart piece of work on Monday and on current form should be a big runner again. Purple Nkanyezi has been taking on stronger of late and was not far back last time out while Aalsmeer and Not Now Pussycat are others to consider
In the last, Glitter And Gold won two on the bounce after her maiden win, both on the poly. That form has worked out well and her last narrow defeat came on the turf by the 66-1 shot Nikiya. That form is likely to be reversed on this surface. It Must Be Love was a close-up third in her handicap debut and she has run two of her best races on the poly. Beat It has been dropping in the ratings. She goes well this course and distance and is one to watch.
