The word “lollapalooza” is defined as “a person or thing that is particularly impressive or attractive”.
It was used by the Three Stooges and revitalised in 1991 by pop group Jane’s Addiction leader Perry Farrell as a multicity venue for his band’s farewell tour.
The equine namesake can live up to her name at Fairview today when she lines up in Race 5, a MR 64 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m on the Polytrack.
The daughter of Soft Falling Rain has only raced four times, scoring her lone win at the second time of asking. Her first three starts were on the Highveld where she was trained by Ashley Fortune, and after a disappointing third run in which she faded out to finish at the back of a six-horse field, the decision was taken to move her to Port Elizabeth to be trained by Alan Greeff.
There was probably a feeling Lollapalooza would run better on the Polytrack and based on her first outing for the Greeff yard in which she ran Mesmerizing Moon to 0.75 lengths over 1200m on the surface, that looks a fair assumption. She went off at 14-1 and raced from the widest draw in the nine-horse field.
She takes a drop in class this time, jumps from No 1 draw and has Greg Cheyne in the irons.
Greeff has achieved much with horses who have joined his stable from the Highveld and it will be interesting to see what he can do with this three-year-old filly.
She has a lot going for her and is worth making a banker in all exotic bets.
If she does win well, it could be an indication that Mesmerizing Moon could be worth a bet in Race 6, a MR 74 Handicap over 1300m.
She will be taking on the colts but looks up to the task.
Jack Milner’s selection
Race 1: 7 Daleel, 2 Star Effect, 1 Lord Marmite, 3 Red Bishop
Race 2: 1 Grazinginthegrass, 3 Storm Commander, 4 Gold Rock, 5 Pacific Duke