Yannakis can be gracious to punters

The seven-race programme on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville kicks off with a Maiden Plate over 1200m. (2) Yannakis is much better than his last run in July and rates a big chance on his previous two starts. Trainer Gary Rich is in very good form and Richard Fourie is a significant jockey booking. (3) Teerex ran a good race on this surface over 1400m three weeks ago and will enjoy stepping back to 1200m. (7) Isorender is Craig Zackey’s only ride on the card and the gelding was placed second in his penultimate start. His subsequent run on the Poly was disappointing and it’s difficult to know what to expect. (6) Mount Meru could challenge for a minor placing.

The second race is a Maiden Handicap over 1600m and there are a number with winning claims. (2) King’s Island carries bottom weight and from a good draw and Muzi Yeni aboard, the 3yo gelding could upstage his more fancied rivals. (3) Magic Prince has top weight to shoulder, but his form is consistently good, and he will make a bold bid. (5) Scampton is getting closer and was runner-up in this class two weeks ago. (8) Josephine’s Pride gets the services of Richard Fourie, and his recent form is strong – big winning chance! (9) Basie Raakvat showed big improvement last time and needs to confirm while (10) Connoisseur is slowly coming to hand and could be a factor. Tricky race.

The third race is an MR88 Handicap over 1600m and the lightly weighted (9) Rodriguez sets the standard with only 48 kgs on his back. His form is solid, and apprentice Nastili has been seen to good advantage recently. (2) Selukwe makes his KZN debut and his last run in the Western Cape was very encouraging. (3) Syx Hotfix is a 6-time winner and goes well over track and trip. Definitely one for the short-list. (5) Cherokee Trail and (8) Ibutho are not without winning claims and (7) Beach Palace could be factor off a low mass on his Poly debut. (1) Sugar Blast has won his last two starts over more ground than he gets today.

The fourth race is an MR77 Handicap over 1200m and (1) Joshua Hotsnake could record the sixth win of his career. He is very consistent and races from pole position. (2) Lazy Guy has his limitations, but he is very honest and will again run a decent race. (4) Time Together loves the Poly surface but steps back to 1200m after two recent wins over 1400m at the course. (6) Trade War was a narrow winner over the course and distance last month but appears to have more to beat this time. (7) Purple Operator can never be ignored and on his best form could easily win a race of this nature. (8) Lucky Dollar was a good second in his most recent outing and could go one better here.

The fifth race on the programme is a low grade MR65 Handicap over 1400m and (3) Captain Who rates the one to beat on current form. His last two runs on the Poly have been good and the opposition seems very limited. (7) Winter Waves is better than his last run and rates the principal threat to Captain Who. Apprentice Nastili claims a valuable 4kgs and Winter Waves should be competitive. Pick of the balance could be (4) Giambattista. He won over the course and distance back in June and can improve on his moderate recent performances.

The sixth race is the second half of the MR65 Handicap over 1400m and (2) Senor Garcia appears the one they all have to beat. (3) Wave Warrior has the ability to bounce back from an indifferent last run on the Turf and cannot be ignored. (6) All The Time has been there and thereabouts in his recent starts and has strong winning claims here. The old man (7) Brass Bell is showing signs of finding his best earlier form and must be afforded some respect. (9) Final Destiny has run well recently and gets the services of Richard Fourie for KZN Champion trainer Garth Puller.

A Fillies and Mares Handicap over 1700m closes out the race meeting and punters face a real puzzler here. Most of the 11-strong field have winning claims but perhaps (10) Petit Verdot is the one worth following. Her best form is on the Poly surface, and she is overdue her third visit to the winners’ enclosure. (8) Bosnay is a useful 3yo and was not disgraced when close-up in the Beach Beauty Mile last month. She faces a somewhat easier task here. (2) Jollification is ideally course and distance suited and was a good winner of her last start. There is nothing to choose between (6) Escapologist and (9) Mountainsofthemoon and either could be good enough to win this wide-open contest. (7) Reckless Love always does enough to keep you interested. The six-time winner (4) Aquae Sulis has been below best recently but has the ability to surprise.

Graeme Hawkins

Author: Melissa