Although a model of consistency since joining the Laird yard, Monte Christo still gives the impression of being something of an under achiever but the poly could see the best in him the Hollywood Bets Handicap that heads the Greyville card tonight.

After a relatively quiet spell with stable runners few and far between in recent months, Charles Laird has returned with a vengeance and his runners dominate the race – in numbers at least.

Laird saddles three runners, all at the bottom of the handicap, the best of the trio possibly Monte Christo. The Trippi gelding has been a beaten favourite at his last two outings but the switch to poly over his optimum trip could make him the horse to beat.

Further in his favour is a pole position draw and Serino Moodley’s claim sees him jump with only 51kg on his back.

But he does face a competitive field and the likes of Celtic Captain, Sea Fever and Never Settle will be lively threats.

Never Settle showed some promise when in KZN last winter and although winless in two starts during the Cape summer, he was a close-up second in a handicap sprint where he carried 61.5kg. However, the Kannemeyer yard suffered from a low grade virus all through the summer so it may prove prudent to ignore that form.

Kannemeyer runners generally go well on the synthetic surface and Never Settle could be a major threat to the chances on Monte Christo.

So too Celtic Captain and Sea Fever. Celtic Captain’s best recent form has been over ground but he has been effective over Friday’s trip but Sea Fever is in cracking form and has gone well on the poly. He also finished ahead of Monte Christo when last they met but is 3.5kg worse off in the weights which will make his task difficult.

Just Ask Me, Mr Roy and Rikitikitana are also not without hope but Monte Christo has a lot in his favour.

The World Sports Betting Middle Stakes has attracted a competitive field of sophomore fillies and with the Cape raiders already having made their presence felt one may need to tread cautiously.

However, Duncan Howells saddles Accidental Tourist who made good improvement in blinkers last time out and she has run some cracking races in stronger company. She has the benefit of pole position draw which is always a bonus over this course and distance.

Silver Willow has been in good form for Glen Kotzen and has yet to run a bad race. She was a beaten favourite over the Kenilworth ‘mile’ last time out and can make amends even though this will be her poly debut. She has also drawn alongside Accidental Tourist so Anthony Delpech and Keagan de Melo will be watching each other’s every move.

By Andrew Harrison