Punters face a well-filled and difficult card at Hollywoodbets Greyville next Wednesday but where there is adversity there is money to be made.
In the first Nellie Melba made a smart debut and was well supported in the market. Richard Fourie stays aboard which is a plus. Emerald Green also showed up well when racing green on debut and should come on nicely with that run and rates a strong winning chance for Louis Goosen. An Air for Pride is well experienced and has not been far back in any of her starts while Fire Phoenix seems best over shorter but has not been far back at recent outings and has a definite money chance.
Like most races on the card, the second is a tough maiden but Elegant has been knocking on the door for some time now. She goes well over this trip and Dean Kannemeyer’s filly could have the edge over Mascherina who made a smart debut on this course but has pulled a wide gate. The Queen Bee has not been out of the money in three starts and was a close-up second over course and distance last time out and the stable is in mustard form. One Smart Cookie raced in feature company last run and was not far back. From a good draw she too must have a winning chance for Tienie Prinsloo.
In the first leg of the PA Mike Miller’s charge Only A Poet is comfortable over a trip and is the obvious choice in this line-up. However, Shoot The Rapids made a smart debut at long odds for Frank Robinson over 1600m. If he stays the trip, he could prove a threat. Miller has a second strong to his bow with Heroic Power who also steps up in trip for the first time. Judged on riding arrangements, Only A Poet is the stable elect.
Life gets even more tricky from here on. Etiquette has patchy form but does stay the trip well. He has come down in the ratings and Garth Puller legs up a 4kg claimer which should make him competitive. Billy Of Tea stays well and with a handy galloping weight should make a race of it. Doug Campbell sends out Tom’s Act who is never far back. He has his third run after a lengthy break and with a light weight he could be the surprise package.
The fifth is not an easy handicap. Doctor’s Orders has a lot in her favour and from a plum draw with decent form to back her chances she could get Wayne Badenhorst into the winner’s box. Drive By has a wide draw and steps up in trip. However, her current form over shorter is smart and she will go close is staying the distance. Fashionigma has drawn widest of all but has been in good form.
There are many in with chances in the sixth so take your chances. Bosnay has a touch of class and has not been far behind some useful opposition of late. Darryl Moore’s filly could finally get a break. Status Quo won well to shed her maiden at second time of asking. That was on the poly but she does look progressive and has a plum draw. Sleek As Silk ran a cracking in the soft over course and distance last time out. She has drawn well and should be right there.
The seventh is another difficult handicap but Oshakati has been taking on stronger of late and has taken a drop in the ratings. He has a good draw and could prove the smart choice. Winter Waves was second best last run on the poly but does go well on the turf and from a good draw should be competitive. Crested Eagle has been taking on much stronger at recent outings and not been far back. He has drawn a little wide but looks to have a bright chance.
In the eighth, Super Fast has been up against stronger of late and was narrowly beaten last time out. He has a tricky draw but goes well on the turf and is distance suited. Rugger Bugger has a good draw and was close-up when taking on stronger over course and distance last time out. Cotton Ron has been an honest servant and never far off the money. He steps up in trip here but the stable is in good form and the extra may now suit in another difficult handicap. Phaka Imali has been showing good form on the poly but is distance suited and the switch to turf should not be too much of a problem.
In the last, Averni Princess took on males last start and was not far back. She goes well this course and has been in good form since her maiden win. Sky Cafe has drawn wide but ran a cracker at long odds last start and the extra furlong will suit. Stable companion Cinnamon Blush has the better draw and was touched off over course and distance last run and a repeat will see her close again. Richard Fourie will have had a few choices of mounts in this race. Poppy Of Bayeux is never far back on the poly but the switch to turf with Fourie staying with the ride could be telling.
