We have number of runners to look forward to this Friday 22nd November, at both the Fairview and Hollywoodbets Greyville Polytracks’. Sunny Bill Du-Toy finally makes his return to the course, after an extended precautionary absence due to injury, at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night. That is in a Barrier Trial, before Storm Ruler and White Cedar both have comeback runs later on in the evening. Before that, Hollywood Thunder and Whiteleaf Hills both look set for positive performances on the Fairview Poly track. See more here.
Friday 22 November 2019
Fairview Poly
Race 2 – 13:00
1200m – Maiden Plate
6 – Hollywood Thunder
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 2 (8 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
She was a little disappointing last time, when racing keenly with the blinkers on for the first time and she predictably become undone in the final 400m. She lands another useful draw here and she should relish the drop back to 6-furlongs. The blinkers stay on and Marco van Rensburg makes the trip down to ride her. Her work has been good and if settling a tad better this time, she should make the necessary improvement to be involved in the finish and the stable gives her a place chance.
Winning Form Comment: Needed last two runs badly. Should be cherry-ripe. Can improve in this field.
Race 7 – 16:00
1900m – MR 65 Handicap
6 – Whiteleaf Hills
Trainer: Gavin Smith
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 56.5kg
Draw: 9 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 3/1
The ever consistent son of Ashaawes lines-up once again over this course and distance. He has been giving a solid account of himself in recent times and he is overdue another win in the Hollywood Syndicate silks. Drawn wide, he will be looking to settle off the early speed and given the fact that he takes a while to unwind, he will be looking for a decent pace up front. Marco van Rensburg takes the mount and on his work at home, he is in a very good place right now and the yard once again expects him to go close to winning. He gets a solid each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Decent effort last time. Has a wide draw to contend with, but can feature with Van Rensburg.
Friday 22 November 2019
Greyville Polytrack
Race 5 – 20:05
1800m – MR 78 Handicap
8 – Storm Ruler
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Athandiwe Mgudlwa
Wgt: 56.5kg
Draw: 6 (11 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 10/1
He showed up well before going on a well-deserved holiday and he makes his return over a trip that would generally be a touch on the sharp side for him. With that said, the run will bring him on a lot for a summer campaign. He will be in desperate need of the run, but should give a fair account of himself. On ability, he can finish in the first three places but we’ll just be hoping for a positive return.
Winning Form Comment: Decent last three starts before the break. Watch.
Race 7 – 21:10
1200m – Progress Handicap
4 – White Cedar
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Jason Gates (-1.5kg)
Wgt: 60.5kg
Draw: 3 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
After that stunning victory to leave the maidens in his last start, he too returns from a well-deserved break from racing where he spent some time on the farm. He has taken a while to get going and like Storm Ruler, he is going to be in dire need of the outing. It should bring him on nicely for his summer campaign, although he is the type of horse that needs a run or two before he starts reaching peak fitness. Jason Gates takes the mount and we’ll be looking for a positive return and a top half finish.
Winning Form Comment: Easy maiden winner before having a long lay-off. May need the run over this trip.
Race 10 – 17:05
1000 – Barrier Trial
1 – Sunny Bill Du-Toy
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Ashton Arries
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 2 (5 Runners)
The darling of the Hollywood Syndicate last year finally makes his return, after suffering a career threatening injury at work as he was just starting to get going after a short break. The injury suffered was minor, but being a strained tendon in his off-fore, it was a major concern to all. That was over a year ago and he has responded well to his treatment which has mostly comprised of managed box rest, some time on the farm and plenty of swimming. He has been back in full work for just under 3-months now and he is starting to find his feet again. He will obviously be in desperate need of the run, but he will certainly love the experience and it should bring him on nicely for his return to competitive racing in a few weeks.