Alyson Wright can get punters off to a winning start when she saddles Imperious Destiny in the first race on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
Imperious Destiny has shown up well in both starts and although she goes the extra furlong she rates the one to beat. Taste Maker is a battling maiden but was touched off over course and distance last run and must come strongly into the reckoning. Wright has a second string to her bow in Tephra has found betting support in both starts and can feature from the best of the draw.
The second is a tough handicap where Andre Nel saddles two runners in Sunday Island and Warrior Bling. Robert Khathi is the stable rider aboard the latter but Rachel Venniker’s claim could be the reason for her booking on the top weight. Exceeder has been consistent of late and although he takes on stronger he has the benefit of a light weight. Etiquette was in it until the last when trying further last time out and can do better this trip.
The Michael Roberts-trained Nonoti was a beaten favourite last run and has been runner-up at her last three starts. If she takes to the poly she could be hard to beat although Sky Velocity made a smart poly debut for Johan Janse van Vuuren and she looks the biggest threat to Nonoti.
Majestic Power has won his last two for Gary Rich and has only gone up five points in the handicap which should see him make another bold bid in the fourth. Hallerbos came good when stretched to a mile wearing blinkers and can follow up for Dennis Bosch while Rafiki made steady improvement leading into his maiden win. He has enjoyed the step up in trip and has the best of the draw.
Visiting Brosnan made a promising poly debut for Janse van Vuuren and he should make another strong bid although Wright saddles Victor Rail who finished ahead of Brosnan when last they met and has subsequently run another promising race. These two look the prime contenders.
Michelle Rix has her first runner leading up to Champions Season. Geogie George has drawn wide but did well from a tough Durbanville draw last start and will go close if he takes to the poly. Lord Edward has made steady recent improvement and goes well over course and distance. Phaka Imali won well over course and distance last time out and can go in again. Carl Hewitson’s mare Capriana goes well on the poly and although taking on males she is a hard knocker.
The seventh is a wide open handicap. Gimme Gorgeous won third time of asking for his new yard and still looks progressive. He makes his poly debut. Lucretius is something of a poly specialist and is holding form well. Corsican has shown up well in two starts since shedding his maiden. He is distance suited and only missed a cheque twice in 10 outings.
October Song could be the lurker in the last. She has tumbled down the handicap and has been taking on stronger than what she meets here. The poly could suit. Kitten’s Adventure made marked improvement in first time blinkers. She has done well on the poly. Vision Of Will is back on her favourite surface and was close-up at her last two.
