Clive Robinson
Trainer Wendy Whitehead’s feat of five winners at Hollywoodbets Greyville last week was more than just a personal best. Considering the stable does not appear to have a bunch of superstars in the stable it must be considered one of the proudest achievements as a trainer.
And Monday’s meeting on the Polytrack at the same course could produce yet another red-letter day for the stable, which has strong runners throughout the card.
Race 1 – A weak field faces Captain Of All filly Fort J’Adore who was only beaten 0.70 lengths by favourite Miss Dora, and she boasts the better draw this time. As Fort J’Adore looks to have improvement to come, she could be the first in another string of winners for Whitehead.
Race 2 – Whitehead’s Gelsomina takes on the role as favourite as she has been knocking at the door with strong finishes. However, both Little Lady (well-bred Capetown Noir filly) and Guten Tag rate distinct dangers on form.
Race 3 – Let It Snow ran a stinker for the yard last time but on closer inspection she was forced to go to the front in that race. She came from off the pace in her three previous wins and perhaps she may have been lacking some work after all the rain in the province.
Feeling Groovy ran out a convincing winner last time and may be underrated so appears the biggest danger.
Race 4 – Reckless Love looks to be Whitehead’s least optimistic chance on the day – the horse is notoriously inconsistent and has been ages since her only win. The best bet on the day comes in this race in any case – Sing For Winter has been winning easing up and could maintain her unbeaten record on the Polytrack.
Race 5 – Boundless Bash could be the yard’s strongest runner on the day. He was touted as one of her best three-year-olds and the handicapper certainly has been thinking along the same lines as the Judpot gelding’s merit rating was upped four points even though running second last time.
While Straight Up was hugely impressive last time, he did beat weaker.
Race 6 – Qanabi ran a cracker last time and interestingly log-leading jockey Keagan De Melo gets the ride. Bright Star is the obvious danger as she is expected to relish going further now she has matured, and could just upset the run of the Whitehead brigade.
Race 7 – Joshua Hotsnake, like Boundless Bash, looks to be in the right race and as such rates one of the yard’s top runners. He impressed a few runs back and has since run two solid races where he did have valid excuses.
Race 8 – Morgan La Fay is a filly with problems and her only win was over 1000m, but she has talent and the best of the draws. She is not one to take lightly even though Fortune Bay, Acacia’s Blossom and Lady Heist appear to have improvement to come.
