We have a competitive card on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, as Gold Circle pays tribute to its long-standing employees by dedicating this race day to them. Adding to the locals’ problems is that two Highveld trainers, Tony Peter and Fanie Bronkhorst, saddle runners, with the former saddled four winners this past weekend.
Bronkhorst saddles Valieva in the card opener who improved nicely second time out and should make a bold bid. He will face strong opposition from Garth Puller’s runner Kalahari Roller who showed up well on debut at lengthy odds and Richard Fourie can continue his onslaught on Anthony Delpech’s 344 record of winners in a season.
However, most of the field consists of first timers of which Lukhayf and The Mikado have the right pedigrees.
The second is tough maiden. She’s A Machine has drawn widest of the ten runners but landed the odds on debut and can follow up for Stuart Ferrie. Tony Peter sends out Golden Chandelier who finished a distant third behind star stable companion Almond Sea at her penultimate start and followed up with a win. She is well tried. Icy Lancaster was green on debut and not far behind. She is sure to come on from that effort. So too Magical View and Fourie’s mount Pull A Fast One. The betting could be your best guide.
In the opening leg of the Pick 6 the form of those that have run is not too flash so watch the market on the first timers closely. Of those that have run, Gorgeous Dude showed up nicely at long odds on debut. He has a tricky draw but is sure to come on over the extra furlong. Moon Harvest has had plenty of chances but this is his third run after a break and Fourie gets the leg up. Long Gallery has not been far back over five furlongs and the step up in trip should suit.
In the first leg of the jackpot, Trippis Tune has come on with each outing and looks primed for this from pole position draw and can draw first blood for Tony Peter. Torix Night has drawn alongside and has been consistent. He should feature in this company. Catavar steps up in trip and takes the turn for the first time. He should enjoy the extra furlong. Professor Lupin returns from a lengthy break but has shown some fair form. Watch for any market support.
The fifth could be a case of Vihaan’s Bomb versus Agamemnon. Vihaan’s Bomb steps up in trip but has improved with every step up. He was a close-up second last run and looks primed for this. Agamemnon stays the trip and has been in good form at his last two. If Vihaan’s Bomb fluffs his lines, Agamemnon will be there to pick up the pieces. Rainbow Of Roses has shown up well at her last two and has the advantage of a sex allowance while Basie Raakvat finally steps up to what could well be a more suitable trip and is one to watch in the market.
The sixth is a competitive handicap. Aisling has a tricky draw but is never far back and has come on nicely for her new stable. She is smart on her day. Malcolm’s Dream is not the easiest at home but is talented. She has come good of late and with some luck in running could land this. If Sovereign Grant has recovered from a recent panel beating, she did well over the extra ground and should make a big effort. Lucky Miss has a big weight but goes very well over course and distance and has a 1.5kg claimer up to help.
In another competitive handicap Bomber Girl made a smart debut for her new stable and comes off some useful but often patchy Highveld form. Fourie gets the leg up and the stable is in form. S’Manga Khumalo took off like he was being chased by a swarm of bees on Sabatini in a Pinnacle Stakes last time out. Under a more judicious ride she can do better here. Vision To Achieve jumps in class but comes off some useful recent form and only has 52kg and Muzi Yeni on her back. Captain’s Christy seldom runs a bad race and was a beaten favourite last time out.
A competitive handicap round off the card but Jet Legacy is lightly raced but has run two crackers of late. Distance suited he should be in the firing line. Pendragon was much improved with a tongue-tie last run and goes well this trip. Fourie rides for Tony Peter. Bless Me Fred won well last run with a claiming apprentice up and can repeat with Rachel Venniker in the irons while Trafalgar Square has jumped in the handicap after winning two in a row on the poly but has come good of late.
