Punters face a competitive card when racing switches to the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday and the race that will attract most attention is the first leg of the Pick 6, race four on the nine-race card, where Cherry Oh Baby will attempt to snap her string of runners-up placings.
She has finished second in her last five starts and a beaten favourite at her last two. Jockey Andrew Fortune came in for a ton of criticism for his ride on Mike and Mathew De Kock’s filly, believing that he had been caught napping by the faster finishing and well supported Long Street over 1400m. Whatever your opinion, there is an enquiry pending but this longer 1800m trip could finally see her into the winner’s circle although she does take on males.
MJ Odendaal saddles O Space O who makes his poly debut and does seem better than his last two with his best recent effort in the soft. Sanbeenee also takes on males but was a narrowly beaten second over course and distance last time out and should feature again. Takeyourbestshot looks held by Cherry Oh Baby on their last meeting but the gelding does appear to be coming to hand.
The card features a host of lower division handicaps starting in the fifth where Richardthefearless could help out. Frank Robinson’s gelding found good market support last run but lacked finish. Craig Zackey stays with the ride and he gets first time blinkers that could see further improvement. Future Saint was a well beaten favourite last start but still garnered a three-point rise in the handicap. He has been knocking at the door and this trip should suit. Bally Magic has improved in cheek pieces and was a close-up second last run back on the poly and is a must inclusion in all exotic bets.
In the sixth, One Path was much improved with a tongue-tie last time out. This will be her third run after a long break and she goes well on the poly. The unknown is Meritorious who was rested after a poor second run with no explanation given. She has since changed stable and has her first outing for Alyson Wright but won well enough one debut to suggest that she has some ability. Skytrix was narrowly beaten last start and Mike Miller’s charge appears to have come to hand again. Visiting Corne Spies sends out We Will Rock You who showed signs of a return to form last outing. She is useful on her day and with a 1.5kg claimer aboard she could prove dangerous on her poly debut.
The seventh is another competitive handicap where many of the main protagonists met last time out. Sky Velocity and My True Love meet again. Sky Velocity romped home in her first start for her new stable. She had consistent Fairview form prior to that. However, My True Love is 2.5kg better off and has the better draw so can turn the tables. Miss Paget finished third in that same race and is now 5.5kg better off with Sky Velocity taking her 4kg claiming apprentice into account. Noodsberg started favourite for the race finishing 3.70 lengths back and is 2kg better off with Sky Velocity. All four look capable.
In the eighth, Future Flo has hardly put a foot wrong since winning his maiden and reverting to sprints. He is over his optimum distance and should put in another bold showing. Connery was back to his best when a comfortable winner last time out. He only got a three-point raise in the handicap and can go in again. Jet Legacy started favourite in the race won by Connery, finishing two lengths back. They meet on the same terms so the result should be confirmed. Ibhele has been threatening for some time now and can surprise. He has a light weight and the best of the draw.
The final leg of the Pick 6 is a minefield with plenty in with chances. Kom Naidoo saddles Andy Coogle who is back on his favourite surface and showed up well last time out. Masterbling enjoyed the poly last run and was touched off in a tight finish. He can go one better. Warrior Of Royalty has a tricky draw but gets 4kg relief from the saddle and has a strong money chance. Trafalgar Square seldom runs a poor race and his recent form is consistent. He should enjoy this surface as he tries for his eighth win.
