We have five runners to look out for, over the course of this weekend. On Friday 29th November 2019, we look to the Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly Track and Purple Persuasion will strip a fitter horse after that comeback run last time. She will be worth following in the 7th race. Thereafter, all of Agent Murphy, Jerry The Juggler and Lauren Of Rochelle line up in the 8th and final race on the card, with the former being the pick of the bunch. On Sunday 1st December 2019, we switch to the turf course and Alphamikefoxtrot will be looking to continue his good run of form, despite his preference for the Poly. See more here.
Friday 29th November 2019
Hollywoodbets Greyville Poly
Race 7 – 20:40
1200m – MR 76 Handicap
2 – Purple Persuasion
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Tristan Godden
Wgt: 60.5kg
Draw: 3 (9 Runners)
Current Betting: 5/1
She was in desperate need of her last start, more so than we expected. Anton Marcus rode her on that occasion and reported that she moved up with strong intent, before becoming a little one paced over the final 200m. That was on her return from a 14 week absence and she will strip a lot fitter this time. On her work at home, she will be involved in the finish.
Winning Form Comment: Needed comeback run. Should strip fitter and will have more to come.
Race 8 – 21:15
1400m – MR 68 Handicap
2 – Agent Murphy
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Anton Marcus
Wgt: 60.5kg
Draw: 5 (15 Runners)
Current Betting: 2/1
He made up plenty of ground over the 1200m last time, when turning for home at the rear of the field before running on strongly for second place. Back over the 1400m now, where he is bred to relish the trip and he is reunited with Anton Marcus, who won on him earlier this year. From a plum draw, he has plenty more to come and we give him a nice winning chance tonight.
Winning Form Comment: Good last two starts. Runs well for Marcus. Merits obvious inclusion.
7 – Jerry The Juggler
Trainer: Alyson Wright
Jockey: Tristan Godden
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 14 (15 Runners)
Current Betting: 16/1
He is starting to drop in the ratings and improvement as far as his form is concerned, is expected with each run. Despite the fact that he has a pure sprinters pedigree, he hasn’t shown the speed that his siblings have shown and that is why we are sending him over a bit more ground this time. He too, lands a difficult draw this time and that will dent his chances somewhat. With that said, he is fast approaching a competitive rating and his next winning turn is just around the corner.
Winning Form Comment: Moderate form since winning maiden. Tries the distance for the first time. Chance if overcoming wide draw.
8 – Lauren Of Rochelle
Trainer: Darryl Moore
Jockey: Athandiwe Mgudlwa
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 13 (15 Runners)
Current Betting: 20/1
He returns to racing after a 14 week absence, having coughed at the pull-up, after his last start. He has taken a while to get going again and as such, he will be in need of the run. As we have mentioned in previous comments, he doesn’t have the best gate speed out there so he’ll be forced to take a back seat from that wide barrier draw. On his work, he is expected to make up ground in the closing stages for a positive return and this run will bring him on nicely.
Winning Form Comment: Had excuses in latest. Place chance.
Sunday 1st December 2019
Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf
Race 5 – 15:00
1000m – MR 68 Handicap
4 – Alphamikefoxtrot
Trainer: Darryl Moore
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Wgt: 59.0kg
Draw: 4 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 5/1
He has found some useful form since returning from a break three starts back. All of those runs have been on the Poly track, where he definitely seems to be more comfortable. Back on the Turf this time, there is an element of doubt about how he will go on this surface, but he is certainly in a good place currently and on his best form he should be right there at the business end.
Winning Form Comment: Good last two starts under Khumalo. Merits respect.