We have four runners this week to take us through to the start of the weekend, starting today at Flamingo Park. Spanish Fort returns to a familiar course and distance, where he is expected to go close to winning. On Tuesday, Seattle Force drops down in trip and returns to the course were he remains unbeaten in three starts and he will be looking to keep that record intact. Then on Wednesday, Agent Murphy is back for his peak run after a rest and he is also expected to be fighting out the finish. Finally on Thursday, Syx Shooter has his comeback run after a 21 week lay-off and he will be looking to make it a promising return. See more here.
Monday 11th November 2019
Flamingo Park
Race 4 – 14:05
1000m – MR 74 Handicap
7 – Spanish Fort
Trainer: Cliffie Miller
Jockey: Collen Storey
Wgt: 53.5kg
Draw: 10 (12 Runners)
Current Betting: 14/1
He showed plenty of speed last time out, when having the blinkers fitted for the first time and they remain on for his return to the same course and distance where he been knocking on the door for his second career win. Collen Storey retains the ride and he knows this son of Elusive Fort well, having ridden him on all of his last five starts. His work has been very encouraging at home and with quite a light mass to shoulder, he looks a big runner here and he has a very good each way chance.
Winning Form Comment: Close-up in a blanket finish last time. Relished blinkers. Chance.
Tuesday 12th November 2019
Turffontein Inside Course
Race 6 – 16:05
1800m – MR 104 Handicap
2 – Seattle Force
Trainer: Stuart Pettigrew
Jockey: Marco van Rensburg
Wgt: 58.5kg
Draw: 5 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 7/1
He was way below his best last time out, when stepping up to the 2400m in sticky conditions. As such, we have decided to drop him back in trip, where he should enjoy the increased tempo throughout the race. This was evident in his penultimate start, where he seemed to settle a lot better over the mile. Over 1800m this time, he returns to his preferred inside track and he’ll be looking to take up the early lead from a decent draw. With the shorter run in, he will be looking to give his customary kick at the top of the straight and he should be tough to get past. He presents a good each way chance and we expect him to just about win this.
Winning Form Comment: Peak run and will relish drop in trip.
Wednesday 13th November 2019
Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly
Race 8 – 17:15
1200m – MR 70 Handicap
2 – Agent Murphy
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Raymond Danielson
Groom: Robert Mudzingwa
Wgt: 60.5kg
Draw: 3 (13 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 4/1
He has shown good improvement in both of his runs since returning from an 18 week rest, where he was also gelded and he has his peak run now. He ran on nicely last time out, when stepping up to the 1400m despite being a little slow out the gates. With that said, he should be very effective over this 1200m from another plum draw, with Raymond Danielson jumping back aboard. With more improvement expected this time, he should finish in the first three and we give him a useful win chance as well.
Winning Form Comment: Peak run since gelding. Fair latest despite slow start. Joint top rated.
Thursday 14th November 2019
Vaal Racecourse
Race 2 – 13:10
1000m – Maiden Plate
3 – Syx Shooter
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 5 (20 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 16/1
He makes his return after a 21 week absence from the course. The break however, has done him the world of good and he should come back a better horse. Back on the Highveld after a short stint in KZN, he is expected to need this outing quite badly, but it should bring him on nicely for a summer campaign. S’manga Khumalo takes the ride and we will be looking for a top half finish.
Winning Form Comment: First run after a rest. Can improve if utilises gate speed.