Small fields don’t always relate to favourable results but there looks to be some fair bets in small fields on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
The first looks to be a ‘boat-race’ between Sea Of Tears and Broadway Girl. Sea Of Tears has been knocking on the door for some time now and with the jockey getting a sex allowance she should be hard to beat. Broadway Girl tried further last run but has put in two smart efforts. She makes her poly debut and is a big runner.
The second looks a three-way contest. Pure Maverick improved nicely second time out in lessor company and with a light weight should be right there. Fast Love was sent out favourite when dropped to a sprint last time out. This distance should be a better option and she makes her way from the Highveld which could tell all. Donquerari looks well in at these weights and being lightly raced he can make the required improvement.
Chopsticks looks to be one of the better bets on the card. He has been knocking at the door for some time now and if he takes to the poly, he should be hard to beat. Hallerbos could be a threat. He was second best to what looks to be a useful sort last time out and there is nothing of that quality in this line-up.
In the fourth, Dawn Mission is overdue and has run well on the poly. He rates the horse to beat as the balance of the field have very moderate form. Izuizorizuaint has shown some signs of life and can feature.
Things get difficult from here on.
In the fifth, Evening Primrose is back from a break and has been taking on stronger. She has done well on the poly but faces some stiff opposition. Electric Surge got a hefty 10-point shunt in the handicap after finishing sixth in a Gr1. She has only won twice in 35 starts, so her penalty looks a bit excessive! Top Me Up Holly goes very well over course and distance and gets the benefit of a 1.5kg allowance from the saddle.
In the sixth, Umvoti won well enough first time of asking and meets a weak field in her handicap debut. She could have too much class for Masters Beauty who is lightly raced and needed her last run badly. Her best form has been on the poly while Rose Willow has steady Highveld form and older runners can often make good improvement on the poly.
Pedro has improved with every recent start. He switches to the poly looks to be primed to land the seventh although there is plenty of opposition. Clean Slate will have his supporters as he is down in class and has shown up well in two starts since his maiden win. National Dream is lightly raced and has improved on the poly and was a very easy maiden winner last run.
The last is a seriously open handicap but Frank Robinson has a way with older runners and Leslies Pathtofame has all the hallmarks. The gelding is holding form well and the help from a claimer in the saddle and a good draw could see him home. Highveld-based Sean Tarry has been tarrying awhile after Champions Season to take advantage of the good stakes and weak fields and although Miss Magician takes on males, she has put in two smart recent efforts on the poly. Imitation Game is battling for his second win but the switch to the poly could see him go close while visiting Life Goes has not been far back at recent starts and his last win came on the poly.
