South Africa’s Champion Season came to an exciting conclusion this past Saturday so it is now back to bread-and-butter racing on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly this coming Wednesday as the visitors return to their respective provinces.
However, before the lights went out and necessitating the abandonment of the last three races on Hollywoodbets Durban July card, the connections of Asiye Phambili were fairly confident of a forward performance as the filly had shown up well first run for her new stable. This could be consolation for Duncan Howells and the Hollywood Syndicate but it will not be easy as there are a couple of runners that require serious consideration. Sean Tarry sends out Magical Flight, who won her last start in her only outing on the poly, not unexpected for an older horse in the twilight of her career with smart form in strong company. She can follow up although she was in action at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Wednesday when fourth behind race favourite and stable elect Emerald Princess.
Of the balance, Alphabetty has only missed a cheque twice in eight outings and Peter Muscutt has declared first time blinkers.
In the card opener the form is a little thin and with two well-bred first timers in the race, the betting will be your best guide. Also, all take to the poly track for the first time. Mike Miller’s gelding Ninety Nine Heros found some log-shot betting support at his last two and the switch to the poly could bring out the best. Global Ruler has not been far back in two outings but does return from a break and the trainer comments that he may need the run. Turbo Boost caught the eye on debut but judged on jockey bookings, Ninety Nine Heros would appear to be the stable elect. Dean Kannemeyer sends out two well-bred debutantes that could be worth following but the trainer comments that both will need the experience. However, they do not have to be anything special to win here.
One of the better bets on the card could be Mike de Kock’s filly Woodland Glade. She has been close-up in all four of her starts to date and the switch in surface and the quality of field should see her close again. Biggest danger should come from Ntombenhle who although drawn widest, has had experience on the poly and looks the most likely threat.
The Andre Nel stable could hold the whip-hand in the third with Rafiki and Exceed Expectations, both with useful current form and in a weak handicap field. Rafiki would appear to be the stable elect given the riding arrangements and he was not far off when taking on much stronger last time out. Strangely, he got a five-point relief in the handicap. He is relatively lightly raced and can still improve. Exceed Expectations is seldom far off the winner and goes well on the poly but a bigger threat could come from Pascali trained by KZN Champion Trainer Garth Puller. Pascali carries top weight but has been close up to stronger at recent outings and will be a big runner.
The fourth could rest between Duke of Africa and Johnny The Thief.
Duke Of Africa has had plenty of chances but ran well below form on the turf last time out. He goes well over this trip on the poly and can open his account for Frank Robinson. Johnny The Thief is a recently turned three-year-old who has finished runner-up in three of his four starts. He stays the trip and with Gavin Lerena taking the ride he will be a big threat to Duke of Africa.
Dennis Bosch has been quiet over Champions Season but saddles Poursomesugaronme who has been close-up since shedding her maiden. She makes her poly debut but shows good pace and should be right there. There She Goes was a comfortable winner on the Highveld last time out. She got a six-point rise in the handicap for her troubles but although she carries top weight, she does look capable in a field where the form is a little thin. Hereinafter could be the dark horse as she is still game and her best recent runs have been on the poly. She will be right up there.
In the sixth, Blackwhitedynamite takes a drop in class and ratings. His last win came on the poly and he may be the horse to beat in a competitive handicap. Purple Operator goes well on the poly and is down in class. He is back over his preferred trip and should give another solid performance along with Preemptive Strike who has been going up in the handicap in spite of his advancing age and got a two-point raise after being narrowly beaten over course and distance. Be that as it may, the handicappers may have got it right.
Bosch could have a double in a competitive handicap that rounds off the card. Brave Voyager has been placed in his last four starts on the poly and was narrowly beaten last time out. Impartial has been showing steady recent improvement and with only 52.5kg to shoulder on his preferred surface he is not without a prayer. Hippocrates is way better than his last effort over course and distance. He has a tricky draw but on his best form can overcome it.
