Andrew Harrison
LOOK FOR HOUNDS’ gelding often does wonders to transform an under-performing colt into a competitive gelding and that could be the case for Look For Hounds and Lions Head who take part in the fifth on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon.
Both horses met last time out with little more than a neck separating them at the line behind Maitland Magic. The pair also go this 1900m trip for the first time but should see it out comfortably.
Both are expected to come on from those efforts but they do face a competitive field and a win will be no ‘gimme’.
Vaughan Marshall has had a cracking Champions Season so far and Look For Hounds could prove the pick of the pair as he was running on stoutly at the business end.
Dean Kannemeyer almost pulled off a shock when Sir Michael ran Do It Again close on Sunday and his Summerveld yard appears to be hitting form again.
Lions Head was also making late progress in that race and there should be very little separating the pair again today.
Magical Midlands will have his supporters after running the well thought of Tread Swiftly close last time out. He was always handy and should make a race of it again.
Ibutho tries for a winning hat-trick and Fight Song is at home over the trip and has a money chance.
Raiseahallelujah is an entry for the Gr1 Daily News 2000 but given current merit ratings I think he was more of an optimistic entry by Gavin van Zyl and he looks to have a better chance of following up on his maiden win in the sixth this afternoon.
A better option may be Banzai Pipeline who was never in the hunt from a difficult draw last start. He had some smart form before that and with the Garth Puller stable in mustard form of late, he can do better over this shorter trip. Raiseahallelujah finally shed his maiden after showing frustratingly consistent form before that. It must be said that he was a comfortable winner and with a little confidence gained he could follow up. Baymax has patchy Highveld form but is useful on his day and the poly could see a change of fortunes. One who has taken to the poly is Pueraria’s Cowboy that made all the running to win over course and distance last time out.
In all punters face another testing card.
The opening leg of the Pick 6 is particularly tricky with a host of runners in with chances.
Glen Kotzen was cautiously up-beat about the chances of Gayleactic Star at her last outing when taking on stronger and she was far from disgraced, finishing just two lengths off the winner. That was her first crack on the poly and the step down in trip should suit along with a claiming apprentice up.
The list of possible winners is a lengthy one with Window To Africa, Gauteng raider Wine Tasting, Retail Therapy and Beat It all contenders.
Race four could provide some relief with Rain Wear and Hiroshima the most likely contenders for top honours. Rain Wear has been knocking at the door of late and first-time blinkers could finally see her break the ice. Hiroshima has been coming along the right way and was a promising second last run.
The seventh is another difficult handicap. Ferrari Ice put in a much better last run in useful company and may now be looking for this trip. Chewbaca had a lengthy lay-off before making a smart return to the track. He is lightly raced but appears to have found himself. Mambo Symphony loves the poly and the distance. He was narrowly beaten last run and did not get a penalty. Gavel Strike is never far back and has come good on the poly while stable companion Assured was not far back in good company on his handicap debut and must be considered.
In the last, Hamsa Grove has been on good form on the poly. This will be her third run after a break and she should be at her peak. Miss Charlotte has been rested but has come good on the poly and loves this trip. Aalsmeer is in good form and way overdue. From a plum draw she should be right there along with Boogie Shoes who should enjoy the step up in trip.
