Hollywoodbets Greyville’s polytrack meeting on Wednesday features several competitive contests, with What A Fortune looking well placed to break through in the feature Middle Stakes.
The Candice Bass-trained gelding has adapted well since arriving from Cape Town, finishing close-up in both KZN starts. He was narrowly beaten over the poly last time and, despite dropping in trip and drawing wide, benefits from a useful 2.5kg claim. He appears the horse to beat.
The main threats include Sean Tarry’s The Specialist, who makes his poly debut after contesting stronger company on the Highveld. Prior to his latest feature-race effort behind Jerusalema Rain, he had won three in succession and drops in class. Thisiswhatitmeans also commands respect despite top weight, while Golden Destiny returns to sprinting and should be competitive.
Race 1 sees What A Classic narrowly preferred after improving significantly on her first polytrack outing behind the progressive Green Energy. From a favourable draw and back against her own sex, she gets the vote. Sei Bella adds first-time blinkers after disappointing as favourite, while Red Hot Miss has shown enough to suggest she can feature.
In the opening PA leg, Christmas Rose appeals after a promising debut. The experience gained should prove valuable, although she faces older opposition. Brightsunnyday receives first-time blinkers, while Peaceful Duchess has improved since switching stables and surfaces. Chihiro could also improve on the poly.
Good Omen looks to have an excellent opportunity to shed his maiden tag in the first Pick 6 leg. His consistency has been rewarded with a suitable step up in trip. Gimme The Truth appears the biggest threat after two encouraging local runs, while Crimson Typhoon and Bourbon’s Beast have claims.
Race 4 is competitive. Fine Wine carries top weight and a wide draw but boasts strong polytrack credentials and benefits from Mickaelle Michel’s claim. Chasing Gold’s recent form has been franked and she remains a major danger, while poly newcomer Ebisu is respected if handling the surface.
Dawn Surprise heads a wide-open Race 5. The Gary Rich-trained mare is ultra-consistent and proven over the course and distance. Innerbloom could improve significantly if adapting to the poly, while Ruby Rising and Thought Control are closely matched on recent form.
Last Margareta rates the one to beat in Race 7 after an impressive first-up polytrack success for Garth Puller. Golden Angel and Quandura are logical dangers in a modest handicap.
The finale may belong to Mountainsofthemoon. Robbie Hill’s mare has produced two strong recent polytrack performances, the form has worked out well, and championship-chasing Craig Zackey takes the ride. Got The Word and Pongola are respected dangers, but Mountainsofthemoon looks the standout closing bet on the card.
