It is one of those ‘proper’ Hollywoodbets Greyville Polytrack racemeetings where finding a winner could be tough but catching an exotic should be most rewarding as result.
However, there is one race where one horse could have everything go his way and rates as a possible banker.
Lucretius is finally back over his best distance of 1900m in Race 4, a MR 66 Handicap. American Dream and Exceed Expectation did look more eye catching in the closing stages when the trio met last time, that was over 1750m.
American Dream moved up strongly and got by Lucretius at the wire and while he looked impressive, his pedigree suggests 1750m may be the uppermost limit of his stamina. His maiden win came over 1200m while Exceed Expectation won for the first time over 1400m.
Lucretius has recorded all three of his career wins over 1900m on the Polytrack but is one who will need a good pace.
And this is where he looks to have a further advantage as stablemate Lord Minver is also in the race and being a frontrunner, for good reason. He could ensure a good gallop and indeed trainer Carl Hewitson should pull all the strings in this one.
Just Virginia could be the value proposition of the day. This three-year-old filly ran three solid races after winning her maiden and was then dropped in the deep end, taking on a much stronger field when finishing at the back of the seven-horse field.
As a result, she may be left alone in Race 5, a MR 66 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1900m and thus could be had at decent odds.
While she looks worth an each-way bet, the horse to beat on form is Highveld-based Angel’s Wish who has also been taking on stronger (albeit not as strong as in Just Virginia’s last race) on the Highveld – and is drawn ideally.
All of Sky Velocity (Race 3), Warship (Race 6) and rank outsider Forged In Ice (Race 8) rate solid each way bets in their heats as well.
Clive Robinson
