Punters face another testing card on the poly track at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
Alyson Wright has a basket-full of runners as she bids for the KZN Champion Trainer title. On 33 winner’s so far this season, she currently trails log leader Garth Puller by five and Gareth van Zyl by four in what will be another tight race for the championship.
That said, her runners face some difficult opposition but she can get her ship sailing in the first leg of the bi-pot but may first have to get past Fanie Bronkhorst’s raider Time Will Tell who has been knocking on the door for some time now. She goes well over this trip and has first time blinkers. Wright saddles three lively runners, best of which could be Captain Clever who was much improved when having his first run back after a lengthy break. He was on the poly from a wide draw and now gets 4kg relief from the saddle. Stable companion Gorgeous Bomb was a close-up second over course and distance and has yet to run a bad race. She gets the services of stable rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa. Gareth van Zyl saddles KMV Retrofit who has the widest draw but has shown up well at her last two and can feature.
In the opening leg of the PA Cherry Ho Baby had excuses last run but has been costly to follow. She gets first time blinkers and may be worth one more chance. However, she could find herself in the shallow end of the purse again. Lemon Thyme was second best last run but was narrowly beaten at her penultimate start. Andre Nel looks to have her primed for this. Fascination has not been too far back in her two outings to date and the step up in trip could make her a threat.
The first leg of the Pick 6 French Flame made a promising start on the poly last time out and has improved at his last two. He gets first time blinkers and could get the better of Kitchakal who has been struggling for his next win but is never far back. He is course and distance suited with a plum draw.
The fifth is an open handicap but Azaleas For All has shown up well in her last two and was a beaten favourite last time out. Gavin Lerena is back in the saddle and this trip suits. Garry Rich saddles English Primrose who just needed her last outing. She has a light weight and is back over her optimum trip. Qondanekukhanyeni has improved with each outing of late and was touched off last run. A repeat will see her in the money while Grand Slam has the best of the draw and was not far back to stronger last time out.
In the sixth, Numzaan has a big weight but Serino Moodley is back in the irons and he has a strong chance. Gripen was a beaten favourite in his local debut behind White Seahorse but is still a maiden. He makes his poly debut but does look good enough to go close in this company. Dawn Surprise has consistent form over shorter but may now prefer this extended trip while Viva De Janeiro has been dropping in the handicap but has consistent Highveld form. The switch to poly could bring out the best.
Dean Kannemeyer’s runner Uzwano was hiked six points in the handicap for his latest victory over course and distance but is lightly raced. He is possibly still under the handicappers radar and could solve the problem of the seventh. Stable companion Gurkha took a walk in the market last run but did have a wide draw and did not get the rub of the green in the race. He can do better here. Shoefella has joint top weight and a wide draw to contend with but has done well against stronger and should feature.
Wright will be hoping that the consistent Ultra Quick can get her closer to the log leaders. He has been consistent at recent outings on the turf and the rejuvenated poly should suit. He could be the pick of Alyson Wright’s two runners. Clinton Binda also saddles a pair with similar form. Prized Platinum has shown up well in KZN and could prove the pick although Kabelo Matsunyane stays with Mariarchi Madness. Hippocrates has a big weight but is a poly specialist and jumps from a plum gate while Fate Of Fortune comes off a lengthy break but has solid poly form and is one to watch in the market.
In the last, Coming In Hot ran way below form at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last run after showing solid Highveld form. The switch to first time poly could bring out the best in the six-year-old. Gorgeous Guy has been close-up in all of his recent starts. He goes well this trip and the poly should suit. Super Fast goes well this trip and shows good form in blinkers. He gets on well with his apprentice rider and from a good draw he should be right there again.
