The weekend’s racing promises plenty of excitement, starting this Friday with eight races on Fairview’s Polytrack and a day-night meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville. On Saturday eyes will turn to the unique World Sports Betting Grand Heritage at the Vaal, where a massive field of 22 runners will spread across the track battling for top honours. It’s a standalone local meeting packed with challenging fields and punters can expect some whopping payouts. The holiday energy will keep flowing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday with another lively summer meeting, so put on your Christmas boots and enjoy the festive racing spirit!
Alan Greeff and Richard Fourie should enjoy another good afternoon, starting in Race 1 over 900m with well-bred colt First Officer, who will race in the silks of star stablemates Anotherdanceforme and Golden Palm. “He’s a nice, forward type of colt and should be a lively contender,” said Greeff. Terrminal Velocity (Race 3) is considered a big runner from an inside draw and Greeff noted: “She could be a Christmas present for owner Ashley Parker.” Greeff added that Princess Of Bayeux (Race 4) will go close if she reproduces her home gallops and that consistent Walkonthewildside (Race 6) is probably a Place Accumulator banker.
Three-year-old Gotta Go Eddie was backed over 1900m last time, but ran out of steam at the business end. He reverts to his favourite distance in Race 5 over 1600m and looks worth an eachway bet on a trappy card. Gotta Go Eddie’s record shows two wins from three starts over 1600m, including one over the course and distance where his principal rival here Royal Sword was four lengths adrift and is only 2kg better off.
A bumper nine-race programme with two Group 2 features, the Al Rashidiya (Race 6, 1800m) and the Al Maktoum Mile (Race 7), and a superb undercard. Best bet of the day could be South American-bred Donde Firmo in Race 9 over 1200m. He can build on an encouraging 1400m run at Jebel Ali in his first start in the UAE, in which he shaped as a decent-looking sort who would strip fitter for the run. The step back in distance is sure to suit him.
Patch Of Stars is on a hat-trick in the day’s 1200m feature (Race 9). He continues to rise to the occasion and measured up immediately when winning his first Class 2 test on 15 November. But he has a serious rival in Crimson Flash, who steps up to 1200m after two very good runs over 1000m. He was a credible second to impressive Colourful King last time and should go close. The meeting starts at 07:00.
In-form three-year-old Sir Ruby should continue his winning run in Race 3 over 1500m at Kuala Lumpur. He has progressed rapidly since placing on his 14 September debut, recording back-to-back victories in his last two outings. The Joseph Leck-trained gelding is a progressive type and looks hard to beat again despite a 3kg weight penalty. The meeting starts at 07:40.
The Pick 6 on WSB Grand Heritage Day at the Vaal offers prospects of winning a big payout in time for Christmas. Fields for the six legs average 16 runners and it’s a true test of skill for form students, especially with three races including the topliner run over an unusual 1475m. The day presents exciting opportunities and bets like the Trifecta and Quartet should yield healthy dividends. Below are some brief Pick 6 pointers.
LEG 1 (Race 4 - 1200m): Very open race and wise to go wide. The best outsider is Falcon Strike, who comes from a hot stable and whose last win came over the track and trip, in similar company.
LEG 2 (Race 5 - 2400m): Chabal ran a fair race in stronger company earlier this week. Nuclear Force enjoys the distance and has won off a similar rating.
LEG 3 (Race 6 - 1475m): Pressonregardless is an impressive gelding who has been prepared specifically for the Grand Heritage. Richard Fourie’s booking speaks volumes. Yippee Kiyay ran well above his rating last time and has a big chance off a low weight.
LEG 4 (Race 7 - 1475m): Palace Prince has a stiff task under 59.5kg, and seems better off a lower rating. At the other end of the scale relatively unexposed Mighty Eagle could be a few points ahead of the handicapper.
LEG 5 (Race 8 - 1475m): Coppola has improved, but is asked to give chunks of weight to two potentially very good three-year-olds in Wayne and My Lucky Charm.
LEG 6 (Race 9 - 1400m): Bay Empire blows hot and cold and he’s a tricky ride. He is not without talent, however, and drops to a career-low rating with Andrew Fortune likely to get the best out of him.
SUGGESTED R259,20 (10 %) PICK 6 PERM (Leg 1 Race 4 @ 13:35):
Leg 1: 1, 4, 6, 7, 11, 17
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Leg 3: 5, 18
Leg 4: 5, 7, 10
Leg 5: 4, 6, 17, 19
Leg 6: 2, 3, 5
Five-year-old gelding Honesty Policy, who won the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last season, will be making its first start in open company in Race 4, a Grade 1 hurdle over 4900m. Trainer Gordon Elliott, who has not won the race, is reportedly very happy with the condition of his runner, and noted this week that Honesty Policy runs well fresh. “He is a tough horse with a good attitude,” said Elliott.
Candice Bass and Aldo Domeyer were on the mark four times at HWB Kenilworth last Wednesday and could continue their winning streak. All The Rage (Race 6), is highly thought of and has a big chance after his close third in the recent Listed Sophomore Sprint. Du Maurier (Race 7) takes a drop in class and will be hard to beat in a small field, even with top weight. Tanneron (Race 8) is 2kg better off for a narrow beating by Disting in the Listed Laisserfaire Stakes and looks set to turn the tables.