The 1000-piece puzzle was once a popular pastime that often took days to complete. Punters face a similar conundrum at Hollywoodbets Greyville this evening but do not have the luxury of time. They are faced with a tricky card but those that fit the right pieces should be handsomely rewarded.
The scratching of Cherry Road (cast in box) has robbed punters of a possible Pick 6 banker in the first leg but left the way open for Silva Magic who has come good since being put over ground and ran a cracker first up out of the maidens. In Jest franked the Cherry Road form by winning next time out albeit to weaker but she too should enjoy the extra.
The fifth is a difficult handicap over ground where any number of the runners have a winning chance. Gibraltar Green pulled up lame last outing so that run is best ignored as he was in good form before that. He has a light weight from a strong stable. Paybackthemoney put in a below par performance behind stable companion Merlin From Berlin last start but his best recent form has been over this trip. Just Cruised In has a big weight but takes on weaker as does Top Classman who enjoys the sting out of the ground. Merlin From Berlin took a hefty 12-point hit in the ratings for his recent victory and he could battle off his new mark. Je Ne Sais Quoi is a smart filly who should be at home over this extended trip and cannot be ignored in a wide open race.
The sixth is another tricky contest but Rocket Fire, although he has a big weight, has fair form to stronger in recent outings. He is down in the handicap with a good draw and is a must inclusion in all calculations. Truly Wicked has also dropped in the ratings and was not far back from a tough draw last time out. He jumps from pole here with Marcus up. Putchini made no show in his 100th start but his form before that was fairly solid albeit on the poly but does go well for this rider.
Yaas was as much improved in first time blinkers last time out and jumping from a wide draw. She has drawn on the other side of the track here and could prove the pick in another difficult affair. Sarabi has done little wrong of late and has useful form on the turf which is in her favour. Starlight and Spring Burst are others to consider.
Johan Janse van Vuuren travels his runners up and down from the Highveld between his Turffontein and Summerveld yards and Prince Of Venice tripped to the Vaal for his last outing where he took on a bit stronger than what he meets here. Marcus up is an added bonus.
The last could rest between Dispicable and Horoscope Harry although they face plenty of opposition.
Dispicable has a tough draw but does seem to be late maturing and still on the up while Horoscope Harry has won his last two and looks to have some scope. He has also drawn well.
By Andrew Harrison
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