Clive Robinson
Racing on the turf usually takes centre stage at Hollywoodbet Greyville during Champions Season but on Friday Night 27 May there are plenty of solid polytrack performers carded to run on the synthetic.
To add spice to the meeting, Highveld trainers are not shy to fill up the fields.
Rain Or Shine has an apt name for the poly as racing here can go on in almost all kinds of weather patterns. More importantly, even though he received the full 8 points hike in ratings, he appears under-rated and above the field he meets in Race 7, a MR72 Handicap over 1400m.
It’s usually rare for a horse to beat much higher rated challengers fresh out of the maidens, but that is exactly what Rain Or Shine did. He is obviously no coming along three-year-old, but a full mature four-year-old, and it shows when he races alongside his counterparts.
He rates the best bet on the day.
It has been said previously that Living Waters has had the worst of luck when it comes to barrier draws and again, he has drawn wide. But the last three times he ran over this course and distance, he finished powerfully looking and dangerous at the finish. At wholesome odds, perhaps today could be the day that he gets his head down when it matters most.
He takes his place in Race 6, a MR64 Handicap over 2000m. He appeals as the best value option on the card.
There are Highveld runners in all races except Race 1 and it appears as if most will have big claims, with the best of them possibly a maiden in Race 2. Trainer Ashley Fortune looks to be bringing Beltway down to the coast at just the right time. The three-year-old filly showed little speed over 1000m in her penultimate but turned in a decent effort over 1200m straight after and has secured draw one on her poly debut. Now more mature, she is a serious contender.
Also keep an eye out for current national log leading trainer Paul Peter’s youngsters in Race 3 and Race 8.
Graphene Aerogel was well backed on debut but being a daughter of Jackson out of a Jet Master mare, she was always looking for the turn and more ground. She has drawn ideally in Race 3.
Mescal won as if dropped in at the 400m mark last time and could also be a strong player in Race 8, a MR66 Handicap over 1400m. He is a well-related son of Flower Alley that took a few runs to win and if he doesn’t go well against the lower division he faces, then Peter may have to move him on.
