Andrew Harrison

This is supposed to be the season to be merry but the majority of racing at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was closer to a funeral procession as the runners ambled around before pressing on for a sprint for home. This was all in stark contrast to Happy Valley that was featured on the alternate DSTV channel where Hong Kong racing is no quarter asked or given with a hot pace from the jump.

With first time blinkers, the connections of Celtic Beauty were confident of a winning effort in the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) but the race never panned out to suit and with Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla, last and second last into the straight, putting the field to bed in the sprint home.

Sean Veale was ‘swinging on’ to Celtic Beaty in the early exchanges as his filly fought for her head, but once settled Veal slowed it up and the field took closer order with Safe And Sound also pressing for the lead.

This pair took off at the top of the straight with Safe And Sound the first to capitulate under pressure. Celtic Beauty tried hard to hold onto her lead with Bevie’s Beauty also in the hunt but early exertions took their toll as Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla motored home up the outside of the field. This pair were travelling two strides to one with the opposition treading water.

 Things warmed up in the Christmas Handicap as Strathclyde took up the early cudgels after a lengthy delay to the start as firstly the always troublesome Palermo refused to load then then Navajo Nation having to be re-plated.

However, there was a list of excuses after the race with a number of runner inconvenienced as the field concertinaed up against the inside rail.

But Sean Veale took the right way home, racing wide and avoiding the traffic and Imilenzeyokududuma  quickened well from off the pace to win as he liked.

Two unlucky runners where Kitchakal with Athandiwe Mgudlwa looking for an inside passage but not quicken up enough to take the gap but running on late  while Mexican Pete never got a clear passed but was finishing strongly when he did find clear air and is one to watch next time out. 

RACE 1

(7) ALADO’S HABIT ran well on debut at big odds, with the expected improvement to come she will take some beating. (1) MILLION REASONS has been consistent and will be a huge danger to the top selection. (2) SWEET NOTHINGS has uninspiring form on paper however she is making her provincial debut. Cape form stands up strong in the province and any market support must be respected. (6) TUNE AGAIN ran a cracker in the last start and can place here.

RACE 2

(6) MAXIGIRL has been placing recently and will have a huge winning chance in this competitive contest. (5) OH MANDY wasn’t far in the last start and will get much closer. (2) ANGEL OF MY HEART is another who is never far back and will make the frame here. (1) LIKE A BUTTERFLY can improve on that last start so has to be respected coming from a top yard with Richard Fourie aboard. ( Devonne Govender 6-5-2-1)

RACE 3

(1) KABON KAPI is holding solid form and looks tough to beat especially with the apprentice claiming. (2) WOMAN OF POWER is knocking on the door and there won’t be much to choose between her and the top selection. (8) MISS SHAIVI is another who is holding consistent form and will be in the firing line. (4) TREASURE HUNT is very capable on her day and must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-8-4)

RACE 4

(5) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE could be anything, her debut win was eye-catching And she could remain unbeaten. (3) CHARLIE MALONE is holding consistent form and is a very honest type, huge run expected. (7) SEATTLE RIPPER wasn’t far in the last start and can get a lot closer. (1) RAVILIOUS represents some value for the placings , although shouldering a big weight he can feature. ( Devonne Govender 5-3-7-1)

RACE 5

(2) EXECUTOR is very capable and could take some beating. She drops slightly in trip which could make all the difference because she has a big finish. (5) ELLA’S DELIGHT is never far back and can get a lot closer. (6) NOTORIX wasn’t far in the last start and can get involved. (1) WHAT A WINNER improved in the last start, although shouldering a massive weight he can run into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 2-5-6-1)

RACE 6

(6) ARTURO won a gutsy race in the last start and will be in the firing line. (3) PEDRO is holding consistent form and another career win is close. (2) MO THE MAN ran well at decent odds in the last start and will make his presence felt. (7) LT ALEXANDER is very capable of winning this, he is much better than the last start so must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 6-3-2-7)

RACE 7

(3) FIREALLEY is holding smart form and could take some beating here. He has the best draw with an inform rider aboard so will be a big runner. (2) CHERRY ANO is classy and will be the main danger to the top selection, his last run was good so is a must include. (1) BINGWA won’t be far in this contest and must go into larger perms, he has the class to feature. (Devonne Govender 3-2-4-1)

RACE 8

(8) ALL ABOUT LOVE is holding consistent form and will be the banker in all bets with Richard Fourie aboard. (11) CHEAP THRILLS ran a much-improved race in the last start and can build on that. (1) HE’S A GAUL is capable of much better and can feature here. (3) FEARLESS BADGER is capable of getting involved and can run into quartets. ( Devonne Govender 8-11-1-3)

Devonne Govender

An exciting card awaits punters on Boxing day at Hollywoodbets Greyville featuring the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) and the Christmas Handicap (Listed)

The Tony Rivalland trained Celtic Beauty will jump from barrier gate 2 with Sean Veale aboard in Race 6 the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed). She has always been highly regarded with two consistent recent runs.

She seems to have had a great preparation coming into this contest and packs class so will be a huge contender, she has a powerful finish and should be well placed from the draw so there’s a lot to like about her chances. 

Mascherina from the Peter Muscutt yard looks to be a lively challenger to the top selection. She is highly regarded by the yard and has the ability to win.

She is having her third run after a slight break and will be ready to strike from the ace draw. 

Trainer Mike De Kock saddles Mary’s Greenlight, she returns after being rested however she isn’t out of this contest. She does have a tough draw to negotiate but has a touch of class and must be respected.

Race 7 the Christmas Handicap (Listed) has attracted a field of eleven runners and this looks to be a highly competitive contest. 

Imilenzeyokududuma  is the narrow first selection from the Gareth Van Zyl yard. If you dig deep into the form-lines he has finished behind some really smart horses, he has produced some powerful finishes when winning so is a massive contender.

He finished 6.35 lengths behind William Robertson in his last start as he would have needed the outing, he now steps up in trip which he will love so must be included in everything.

Navajo Nation from the Robbie Hill yard has plenty of ability and is capable of making his presence felt. Although his form on paper doesn’t really jump out at you, he is highly regarded by the yard and needs to be respected.

Formagear from the Peter Muscutt yard is another in with a big chance. He runs well at the track and can produce a big finish if timing it right. He has always shown ability and is not one to take lightly with Craig Zackey aboard who will suit his running style. 

Mexican Pete from the Frank Robinson yard is another lively contender with Kabelo Matsunyane aboard. He will be having his third run after being rested and from a reasonable draw with just 54kgs on his back he needs to be taken very seriously.

SoccerAny13 Extra on Saturday, 28 December 2024 C/Over R 500 000 Pool Closes at 15h30 Sport 13 Pool 1 Likely Pool : R 500 000 (13 of 13)

Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.

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