It could start off easy but it does get more difficult as the day progresses on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
It may prove prudent to cash in on the first three races to fatten the wallet for the rest of the card.
In the first, assistant Byron Forster saddles Buster Keaton for Andre Nel and owner Sabine Plattner. The gelding is lightly raced and has improved with each run since arriving from Cape Town. This is his first poly start but could be hard to beat. Lightly raced Double Silver was second best on the poly last run but the blinkers go on and that could be enough to see him improve enough to make a nuisance of himself. Captains Walk has consistent PE form and was running on late in his local return. He should make a bold bid and the main threat to the selection.
Ashburton-based Paul Gadsby saddles Sea Of Tears in a small field but tricky maiden handicap in the second but his filly has been knocking at the door and goes well over course and distance. She should be right there. Whispering Green is struggling but has been trying further. However, her best recent effort has been over course and distance. Gary Rich saddles two with chances in Kyniska and Angelic Fort. Kyniska has shown her best form on the poly and may just have needed her last effort and looks the pick of the stable runners although Angelic Fort switches to the poly and does show some ability.
One of the better bets on the card should be Pirate Prince for Alyson Wright in the third. He has started favourite in his last two and the form has panned out as the winner of his last race is rated by the stable. He should make amends. If there is a danger it could come from Agamemnon who found market support last run and can do better switching to the poly. The stable is in good form having won three races last Sunday.
Kom Naidoo is a bit of a wizard when it comes to sprinting fillies and although Magicallee took a five-pound hit in the handicap for her last win that was long overdue. Kabelo Matsunyane stays in the irons which is definitely in her favour. Princess Santo was having her first run for her new stable and is now 2.5kg better off at the weights with Magicallee. The turnover in weights should see them a lot closer. Our Emily has been a touch disappointing to date but has been dropping in the handicap and with a 1,5kg relief in the saddle she could get it right.
Things get decidedly tricky from here on with a number of low-rated handicaps filling the card.
Naidoo saddles Blue Eyes in the fifth and he showed up well first up on the poly. His recent form has been franked and with only 48.5kg on his back he must have a strong chance. Hooves Of Troy is a long-time battler but seldom out of the money of late. He takes a further drop in the handicap and should be competitive off his new mark for a very much in form yard. Valiente finally got his act together to win last time out but got a four-pound penalty for that effort. While One Too Many has another tricky draw to contend with in a race that is likely to be all speed. But his poly form is smart.
Assistant John Buckler saddles Lady Tiptree in another tricky handicap in the sixth but the filly has been in good form since switching to the poly. She has drawn a little wide but should make another bold effort. Flashy Kaitrina is back on her favourite surface and is up in trip again but goes very well over course and distance. Dawnofanewday is never far back and should run another big race for another in-form stable. Shape Of You won well last run and although she got a three-pound raise in the handicap she still looks capable.
Forged In Ice looks the part in another low-grade handicap. She was a recent maiden winner but has made steady improvement in blinkers and can follow up in this company. Puff Of Smoke appears to have lost her early speed and is much better than her last effort. The step up in trip should now suit and she could be a surprise package. Miss Lialah had a tough draw last start and never got into the race. She has a light weight here and can build on her previous good form. Bell Starbuster took an age to shed her maiden but has been consistent since. She should not be far off.
The last is wide open but Wave Warrior won well last start and takes a drop in class. He looks capable of backing up. Stanley is on his best surface and was narrowly beaten when starting favourite last time out and can make amends while Rodriguez has the widest draw but goes well this course and distance. He should have a strong chance in this line-up along with Galabier who was touched off on the turf last run. He has patchy form but on his day has a chance in this company.
