Sisters Taryn and Hailey Crawford train under their mother’s name and two more hard working people you will be hard to find. They have to battle along with a limited string but look to have a livewire in Happy Wanderer who runs in the fifth on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. They have not been shy to race their charge in strong company and he has not let them down in two tough sprints over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville short cut, beaten a neck two runs back and then not far behind possible Grade 1 contender Faustino last time out.
Happy Wanderer takes a considerable drop in class here and with a handy galloping weight could finally have his consistency rewarded.
Should Happy Wanderer not run up to expectations things get difficult.
Dennis Bosch saddles three runners, all three in with chances but pick could be Trafalgar Square. Muzi Yeni was aboard all three at their last outings and is sure to have had the pick of rides. Trafalgar Square has the widest draw to contend with but has been holding form well and was a game second behind the much improved Valiente last time out. Blue Eyes is coming to hand slowly and looks primed for this while Woodstock Festival is dropping in the ratings and has a 2.5kg claimer up. He could be the surprise package. Philispiel beat Happy Wanderer two runs back but looks held at the weight turnover.
In the first Menelaus caught the eye with a fast-finishing second on debut for Glen Kotzen with assistant John Buckler saddling his only runner on the day. That was on the poly but Kotzen has booked a top jockey and he rates the one to beat. Path To Freedom improved nicely at his second start. He had a tough draw last time out and has pulled a much better gate here.
See It Again looks to be one of the better bets on the card. Michael Roberts’s charge was a beaten short-priced favourite at second time of asking but the winner is well regarded so he can make amends over a more suitable trip. Lucky Dollar found some market support at his second outing but did not go on with his effort so he gets blinkers, a tongue-tie and an extra furlong which could bring out the best. Visitor Insightful improved when tried in blinkers and can make the frame while Hunters Arrow made marked improvement last run at long odds and is one to watch.
The third is something of a minefield. Triton will have needed his last run over shorter and the Carl Hewitson stable is in good form. The extra will suit. Kom Naidoo saddles Afropolitan who has shown up well in two recent outings on the poly. He is lightly raced and can still improve. Rock Fall was a distant third last run when tried over ground but has been consistent while the filly Mythical Tune takes on males but is way better than her last two and has a winning chance.
The fourth is another wide open affair but Maria Corolina is over her best course and distance and his holding form. She goes well on the turf and has a top rider aboard. You Deserve It has put in two promising efforts for Gary Rich but both were on the poly. She has dropped in the ratings and now looks competitive. Rockie Reef is useful and holding form while Lunar Eclipse was a very easy winner on the poly last run but is 2.5kg worse off with Maria Corolina although her rider is in very good form.
Go Man Go returns from a lengthy break but has been running well against some smart opposition of late. He has a good draw and with 1.5kg relief in the saddle he should be a big runner in spite of the break. Naidoo sends out Father’s Frost who has come good since returning from a break. He has run two smart races on the poly of late but has done well on the turf. Sikhulu has drawn wide but is seldom far back. He also goes well this trip and was narrowly beaten when taking on stronger last run.
Reefway missed out on the Dennis Drier float to Cape Town but his filly won well a second time of asking and looks useful. She has plenty of scope for further improvement and a win her could see her in the second wave south. Gary Rich has two strong contends in Boogie Shoes and Kitten’s Adventure. Boogie Shoes is back on her best surface and goes well over course and distance. Kitten’s Adventure was doing her best work late at her last three but switches to the turf. Richard Fourie stays with the ride which is a big bonus. Duncan Howells sends out Birdwatcher who was outpaced late on the poly last run over shorter and the extra furlong will suit.
The last is another tricky affair but Bristolbeaufighter was running on well over shorter last time out and will prefer the extra furlong. Fiery Duke is in good form and although he takes a slight rise in class, he has a handy weight and a top rider. He should be right there. Diani was a recent maiden winner at only his third start. He appears to enjoy the extended sprint and has scope for improvement while Captain Seager has tumbled down the ratings and goes well this course and distance and is another for the shortlist.
