Hollywood Thunder kicks our mid-week interest on the Fairview Poly Track, this Monday 30 December 2019. She has gone close in her last two starts and should be right there once again. Thereafter, all of Storm Ruler, Purple Persuasion and Sunny Bill Du-Toy both step out at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on New Years Day, before Zig Zag and Look To The Sky (pictured) go to post for the Binda stable at the Vaal on Thursday. See more about their chances below.
Monday 30 December 2019
Fairview Poly Track
Race 1 – 12:30
1200m – Maiden Plate (F&M)
3 – Hollywood Thunder
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 2 (12 Runners)
Current Betting: 28/10
She put up a good effort over the 1000m a week ago (Monday 23 December 2019), when showing plenty of early speed before staying on strongly for just a 0,25-length defeat. The blinkers seem to be working over these shorter trips and considering the way she came again in the late stages last time, she should be ready for this 1200m. Marco van Rensburg retains the ride and with more scope for improvement, she should go close to winning this.
Winning Form Comment: Carded To Race – 23.12.2019
Race 3 – 13:40
2200m – MR 67 Handicap
7 – Whiteleaf Hills
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Chase Maujean
Wgt: 54.5kg
Draw: 2 (11 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 12/1
He has been a little disappointing over the 1900m lately, although he has been staying on in the closing stages and he looks as if he is going to be more effective over this sort of trip now. He has performed well over this course and distance, with a win and a second place from just three attempts and the more sedate gallop may allow him to get a little closer to the front in the early parts. Chase Maujean takes the ride from a very favourable draw and he should give a much better performance this time. We expect a finish in the first three places.
Winning Form Comment: Moderate last two starts, but runs well over this course and distance. Can earn a cheque.
Wednesday 1 January 2020
Hollywoodbets Scottsville
Race 3 – 13:55
1950m – MR 69 Handicap
4 – Storm Ruler
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Nooresh Juglall
Wgt: 61.0kg
Draw: 4 (16 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 14/1
He was in desperate need of that comeback run, towards the end of November and the outing has done him the world of good. Having been off for such a long time, he won’t be ready to go into winning contention just yet and we’ll be looking for him to progress on his recent return effort, which will set him up for his next start. Top international rider Nooresh Juglall takes the ride from a decent draw and he’ll be a place prospect at best.
Winning Form Comment: Needed comeback run badly and can improve.
Race 4 – 14:30
1400m – MR 76 Handicap (Fillies and Mares)
10 – Purple Persuasion
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Anton Marcus
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 10 (13 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 4/1
She has her peak run after a 14 week absence and she will be cherry ripe for this step up in trip. Having slipped 4-points in the ratings, this daughter of Master Of My Fate will be out to capitalize off her lower mark of 85. Anton Marcus jumps back aboard and he will be looking to bounce her out to a handy position from that tricky barrier (10). The slightly slower tempo should suit her and if she settles well, she will be fighting out the finish.
Winning Form Comment: Two fair runs at this level. Expect Marcus to overcome draw and should go close.
Race 7 – 16:15
1600m – The White Horse Function Room MR 90 Handicap
11 – Sunny Bill Du-Toy
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Tristan Godden
Wgt: 60.5kg
Draw: 11 (11 runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He was expected to need his comeback run last time and he went on to give a decent account of himself, finishing 5,25-lengths behind the winner. That run would’ve brought him on and he will strip fitter this time around. With that said, he is still going to be in need of this and he may find it tricky finding his customary handy position from gate 11. If he manages to find a bit of cover, he should be making late headway but we aren’t expecting an appearance in the winners enclosure just yet.
Winning Form Comment: Moderate comeback run. Drawn wide but should strip fitter for this outing.
Thursday 2 January 2020
Vaal Turf
Race 4 – 13:40
1400m – Interbet.co.za Maiden Plate
16 – Zig Zag
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Callan Murray
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 2 (16 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 14/1
He was a little slow into stride last time out, but stayed on for a respectable 5-length defeat. The son of Twice Over will relish this step up to the 7-furlongs and that debut effort would’ve brought him on nicely. Callan Murray jumps in the irons this time and we can expect him to go into closer contention, with the natural improvement to come.
Winning Form Comment: Moderate debut effort when slow into stride. Tries the extra furlong and should improve with Murray up.
Race 8 – 16:05
1000m – Betting world Graduation Plate
2 – Look To The Sky
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Jeffrey Syster (-4kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 6 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 7/1
He gave a solid account of himself in a minor feature last time out, showing plenty of speed before staying on well in the closing stages. Back to his preferred track and trip this time, he has his third run after a rest and gets the services of the 4kg claiming Jeffrey Syster in the irons. That means he will line up 4kg’s better off at the weights with his stable companion, who finished a length in front of him last time. With that said, he has had a solid prep leading into this race and with the above in mind, he has a nice chance of winning this.
Winning Form Comment: 3rd run after a rest. Is 4kg’s better off at the weights with number 1 on latest. Should go close.