Champion Season begins to take shape as out-of-province raiders arrive for Friday evening’s meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville, highlighted by the Grade 3 Byerley Turk and Grade 3 Umzimkhulu Stakes, both over 1400m for three-year-olds.
The Byerley Turk may fall to local hope Wild Justice. The Gareth van Zyl-trained colt made an immediate impact, winning three of his first four starts before a narrow defeat in a Turffontein feature last month. He tries 1400m for the first time but has the advantage of race fitness over several rivals returning from breaks. I’m A Fireball rates a danger after a recent win over the trip, while Dean Kannemeyer’s Green Gateway arrives off a victory but returns from a layoff. Fortress Of Fire is consistent and could improve over the extra distance, while Gold Medallion winner Good For You must concede weight.
The Umzimkhulu Stakes brings together a classy fillies’ field. Justin Snaith’s progressive Gimme What I Want meets Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal again after narrowly defeating her in the Sceptre Stakes and finishing a strong fourth in the Majorca Stakes. Quickstepgal should appreciate the extra distance, while Kannemeyer’s Keukenhof is now better treated at the weights after solid Cape feature form. Infinity Edge is a lightly raced runner capable of surprising.
Earlier, Lady Nancy looks a strong chance in the opener despite a wide draw, while Viking Leader can improve enough to win a competitive maiden. Higher Love appeals in the first Pick 6 leg on the poly, and Sail The Horizon and Light The Fire renew rivalry in race four with little between them.
Acasia’s Blossom, narrowly beaten at her last three starts, is the obvious pick in race five, while Blue Poppy looks progressive enough to land the closing handicap despite a wide gate.
