Turf switched to poly

Andrew Harrison

PUNTERS will be put to the test on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. Two days of steady rain forced a switch from the turf so there will be some re-calculations on a tricky eight-race programme where Giacomo Puccini stands out as a possible exotic bet banker.

In line with leading KZN owner Nick Jonsson moving many of his runners to his home province, Giacomo Puccini made his local debut on the poly early last month and stayed on stoutly to finish just over two lengths back to stable companion Captain Tatters who boasts a proven track record in much stronger company than what Justin Snaith’s runner meets today.

The form behind that has also proved solid and with experience on the poly he has all the credentials.

For the doubters, Hooves Of Troy, Ramchandani Road, Spring High and Sea Sponge as a rank outsider, could spoil the party.

There is an inquiry pending as to the first race debacle at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday where the tote betting on the race closed only after the race was run. Human error or computer glitch, it was an unfortunate incident but unlikely to happen again any time soon.

Many years ago, there was a group of punters collectively known as ‘The Bag Boys’. They were reported to have made money by keeping an eye on the so-called ‘gin-strike’, horses fitted with alumites for the first time.

Times have moved on and few trainers send out their runners in steels shoes or ‘shoeless’ although Craig Ramsay, with his string of horses with limited ability, were often successful.

 A bit like former track star Zola Budd, who competed internationally running barefoot, Clinton Binda has been bucking the norm by running his horses ‘barefoot’ with two winners last Friday. “I only race my horses with shoes if they need them,” he said in a post-race interview.

Given that assurance, Soweto Rose could get backers off to a winning start in the first after being run out of it late behind fateful day. A switch of surface could also be to his benefit.

Yogas Govender trains for an enthusiastic group of youngsters, including regular Computaform tipster Brendan Galliard, and they go into the race two-handed with Ndaka and Rainbow Spirit. They have yet to have a winner but there is no doubt that they will be bellowing their runners home – Ndaka possibly the pick of the two.

Gareth van Zyl saddles Another Love in the second who has come really well at recent outings. She has won three of her last four, all from poor draws, and with a better gate here she can make light of the 62kg that she has been set to shoulder.

 Of the balance, Alfonse Baby has come good at recent outings while Eager Duchess has shown good recent form on the poly and has been ridden apprentices and now gets Marcus.

The third is a tricky first leg of the Pick 6 and it may pay keeping an eye on the betting. Siya Vuma made a smart debut at long odds on the poly and should have come on lengths from his first run. Red Sole looks the biggest threat as the stable continues with their good form. Gelding appears to have been responsible for him making marked improvement in his local debut over course and distance and he has the best of the draw.

The advice for the balance of the card is fill in as many squares on your betting slip as you can afford. In the fourth, Arumugam did well from a tough draw last start. The blinkers come off and although he has another wide draw, he looks capable of better. Whispers Of War was disappointing from a tough draw on his poly debut. That may be a concern but he is capable of better. Galabier has the worst of the draw and has not been out since December last year. But he made a smart debut and is one to watch in the market. Airways Law and the recently gelded Head Gardener are others to consider.

The fifth is a weak maiden. Coral Copy is lightly raced but has not been far back at recent starts and the stable is showing signs of life. Prince Vihaan and Grey Linngari could help see you through this leg.

The sixth is another difficult handicap. The field or a smaller percentage could be your best option but A Whole New World and Victory Twist could head the list of possible.

Michael Roberts could have got it right in the last with Hey Bill taking a big drop in class and a 4kg claimer will enhance his chances. Callmemrgreenlight looks the biggest threat although he shed his maiden in a weak field. But he is lightly raced and finished with a rattle and the extra should be even more to his liking. Living Waters has a wide draw to contend with but goes well on this surface and Don’t Touch Me was a comfortable winner of his maiden. He has improved with his new stable and the poly suits.