Clive Robinson
It was more a case of being on the retreat than the offensive with Stealth Attack last time out. But the fact the half-sister to dual Grade 2 Charity Mile winner Bingwa handed weight to all, including a whopping 8.5kg to winner Whispering Green who was only 0.60 lengths ahead of her at the wire, suggests the run was quite gallant.
More importantly on breeding 1200m was always going to be too sharp and so recouping losses looks the way to go with her when she tries more ground on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
She lines up in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m, where she will also will have benefit of jumping from pole position. That will no doubt be ideal for log-leading jockey Keagan de Melo, who rode this Alyson Wright-trained filly in her last two starts.
Father-and-son trainer combination of Mike and Adam Azzie are curiously making the trip down from the Highveld with two fillies. Both Toto’s Dream and Quest From Afar show good cruising speed and seem certain to enjoy the Polytrack.
The pair are not taking on a weak field in Race 3, a MR 75 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m but appear well weighted. Quest From Afar can speed along nicely in front but Toto’s Dream has had a run after a rest and should strip fitter.
She is also receiving weight from most (Amberglo Star carries the lightest but is under sufferance) and as she is by Duke Of Marmalade, whose progeny are notoriously good on the poly, she looks worth an each-way bet.
Another trainer who should have a good day is Tony Rivalland. He saddles Prince Of Taranto (Race 5), Camora (Race 7) and Word For Word (Race 8). The first mentioned had gone up from a merit rating of 76 to 90 and was expected to battle a bit last time. But if anything he impressed after a rest, running on well to finish within three lengths off Polytrack specialist Priceless Ruler.
Camora is on a roll and could make it three in a row. He has been ridden patiently, overhauling frontrunners late, and as a result has only gone up three merit rating points at a time. He could be too strong again.
Word For Word may be the weakest link of the three but he could still be the one in his race as he is running in an event low on quality.
