Clive Robinson
Race 1 at on the Greyville Polytrack on Monday appears wide open at first glance but realistically, two runners should fight out this MR 65 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m.
Lunar Eclipse and Rain Wear both offer something different; the former has realised true form with frontrunning tactics over the distance while the latter has won two on the trot producing fast finishes.
So which to go for? Lunar Eclipse has the best of the draws so will be in front for nothing but there are other horses who like to go forward which should make it difficult for her, and in turn good for Rain Wear, who enjoys a fast pace.
Fearless Kitty’s only win was from the front and she has drawn widest, which could force the hand of her rider to take her to lead. Venturous has the same problem and may also attempt to overcome her draw early.
Mel’s Princess, who set the pace and was second to Rain Wear last time, may take a seat but she could add to the speed upfront, so Rain Wear is the selection, but take Swingers and Exactas with Lunar Eclipse.
Much was said about Motown Magic prior to his running on the Polytrack for the first time a few weeks back. He was expected to go well and didn’t disgrace himself finishing a close-up third.
A beautifully bred individual, he was nominated to run in the Grade 1 Cape Derby earlier this year but suffered an encephalitis infection and was withdrawn. He showed his well-being last time and could come on in leaps and bounds. In an open-looking Race 4, a MR 85 Handicap over 2000m, this consistent gelding could represent good value.
Napoleon appears very well placed in Race 5, a MR 68 Handicap over 1600m. He disappointed a bit on the turf earlier and then won his maiden fluently, but it was his first run on the poly that was eye catching. He flew up from the back of the field only finding one better in Double Martini who had got first run from a better draw.
Building on that in a similarly weak field he could be hard to beat.
Keep an eye out for The Tinkerman in Race 8. He is a highly regarded sort racing for the powerful Vaughan Marshall stable. The yard has hit form and captured the Champions Seasons opener, the Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes, with Silver Operator last weekend.
