The Hollywood Syndicate will be hoping to kick off the week on a winning note, when Hollywood Thunder lines up in the first race on the Fairview card, on Monday 27th January. She has been touched off in her last three starts and it appears that she has found the right sort if field to exit the maidens this time around. Our other notable runner this week comes in the 7th Race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday 29th January, when Gail Force (pictured) returns for her handicap debut after that scintillating win last time out. See more about these two fillies and our other runners here.
Monday 27th January 2020
Fairview Poly Track
Race 1 – 12:40
1000m – Maiden Plate (F&M)
2 – Hollywood Thunder
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 8 (10 Runners)
Current Betting: 9/10
This speedy Pomodoro filly has gone close to winning in all of her last three starts and she now lines up in a very modest Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate, with Marco van Rensburg retaining the ride. He seems to be getting the most out of her, with the assistance of the blinkers and they will be fitted once again.
Her work has been good and the stable have commented that she looks an absolute picture. From a tricky barrier (8) she will be looking to find a relatively handy position at the off and we expect her to get the job done and find the winners’ box today.
Wining Form Comment: Speedy sort. Finished runner-up in last two starts. Should go one better today.
Tuesday 28th January 2020
Vaal Classic
Race 2 – 13:20
1000m – Maiden Juvenile Plate
9 – Phinda Mzala
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Jeffrey Syster (-2.5kg)
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 4 (13 Runners)
Current Betting: 40/1
Our first Juvenile runner for the 2019/2020 season steps out here, a Philanthropist gelding who has shown a fair amount of speed at home. He faces 8 debutants and 5 raced runners in a field of 13 contenders and although he may just need to strengthen up slightly, we expect him to give a useful account of himself at the first time of asking.
Race 5 – 15:05
1200m – MR 80 Handicap
8 – Strikeitlikeamatch
Trainer: Barend Botes
Jockey: Mathew Thackeray
Wgt: 54.0kg
Draw: 6 (12 Runners)
Current Betting: 16/1
He was a little disappointing last time out, when having his debut for the Hollywood Syndicate. He appeared to be a little outpaced over the minimum trip and he now steps up to the 1200m, where he has landed two of his three career victories. The tempo should suit him and from a useful draw, he will be expected to stay on well in the closing stages and find the first four places with an outside win chance.
Winning Form Comment: Below-par latest. Has a decent shout on penultimate run.
Wednesday 29th January 2020
Hollywoodbets Scottsville
Race 7 – 16:10
1000m – The White Horse Functions Room MR 76 Handicap
2 – Gail Force (Pictured)
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Tristan Godden
Wgt: 57.0kg
Draw: 2 (12 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
A smart winner last time out, she moved up with consummate ease and left the field standing still over the final 150m. She now steps into handicap company, where the opposition will be a lot harder and it will certainly be a nice test for this smartly bred Soft Falling Rain filly.
Her temperament issues have been widely documented and that will always be a bit of a concern, however she is loaded with ability and if not too wound up on the day she could very easily follow up and win this.
Winning Form Comment: Godden retains the ride and should be progressive in handicaps. Merits inclusion.
Race 10 – 12:05
1000m – Open Barrier Trial
3 – Nordic Winter
Trainer: Darryl Moore
Jockey: Athandiwe Mgudlwa
Wgt: 58.0kg
Draw: 3 (10 Runners)
She has taken a long time to get going and this three-year old What A Winter filly will finally get her career started in this trial. She is still going to need to strengthen up, but the outing will hopefully bring her on for her debut in a few weeks.