A C Stakes over 1000m heads a low-key meeting on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday, the start of a long weekend.
The tricky seven-horse contest could go the way of progressive three-year-old Bison Warrior, who takes on older rivals. Wendy Whitehead has three runners in the race, with Bison Warrior possibly the pick. He won his maiden impressively on his poly debut before a rest. He started at long odds on his comeback and may have needed the run, but looks progressive and could prove too strong.
B Fifty Two has improved since Kom Naidoo fitted him with blinkers and is unbeaten in two starts. He steps up in class but can go for a hat-trick. Veteran Chara Sands returns to his preferred poly surface despite winning last time on turf. The widest draw is a concern, but he can feature. Ruby Rising has patchy form but enjoys the course and distance and can be dangerous on her day.
The opener is a small field but not an easy race. Future Prospect has been knocking at the door and can finally prevail. He stays the trip and should be involved. Indignation tries the distance for the first time but has been improving as she steps up in trip. America First is another taking on more ground and has shown steady improvement.
The second is a modest Apprentice Handicap. The Wolf carries top weight but goes well on the poly and should appreciate the extra distance. Ragnar The King has improved in his last two and drops in class, giving him a strong chance. Vencedor has posted two smart turf runs recently, has also done well on the poly and gets a useful claimer.
Treasure Island can get the Pick 6 off to a winning start. Mike Miller’s runner is overdue and gets first-time blinkers. Heavenly Mafia is the main danger after solid recent form over the distance on turf, while Red Coral has useful poly form, is distance suited and gets De Melo aboard. Peace Rose showed promise on her return and won her maiden on the poly.
The fourth is an open handicap. Hearts On Fire improved last time and has the best draw. Shesha Ntombi is better than her latest effort and gets cheek pieces for the first time. One Path has improved in pacifiers and was narrowly beaten over this course and distance. Praise De La Rey has consistent recent form and enjoys the poly.
Cape form can often be stronger than local form, making Scandalize interesting on her local debut. Your Ladyship won well last time and has good course-and-distance form. Mystique Rouge may have found her latest trip short and can improve back over this distance.
The seventh is small but wide open. Izibulo, Royal Crest, Qhawekazi and Come Together all have claims, with the latter two having winning course-and-distance form.
In the last, Mustang Highway ran a cracker from a tough draw and should go forward again with first-time blinkers. Royal Jacket is a long-time maiden but has been knocking. Etzebeth and Mastercrafter are worth watching in the betting.
