Jack Milner: Anton Marcus was still a fledgeling when Garth Puller was riding Durban July and Cape Met winners but now Puller is among the training ranks, they have proven to be a very useful combination.
In this season so far, Marcus has ridden 14 horses for Puller for two wins and two places, and they should improve that run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday when they team up with Firu Star in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1200m on the Polytrack.
This three-year-old Crusade gelding has raced just once, finishing a 3.80-length runner-up behind Bugsy Malone over 1400m on the Polytrack. The winner demonstrated that victory was no fluke by going on to claim a Conditional Novice over the same course and distance in his next start.
Firu Star found no betting support in his debut effort and was easy to back at 33-10. Ant Mgudlwa rode him on that occasion but the engagement of Marcus this time indicates a big follow-up run is expected.
He does drop in distance, but the experience of his last race should make all the difference and he does look to be the runner with the most room for improvement. He is also ideally drawn in gate No 4.
The obvious danger has to be Dean Kannemeyer-trained Love On Time who has gone off a hot favourite in all three of his starts but has proved costly to follow.
The fact he has found strong betting support indicates he must be showing a lot at home. The son of Pomodoro was gelded before his last run and a lot more was expected from him in his return from a rest and his debut on the Polytrack. But his rider reported him to be striding short, although he did still finish third.
Keagan de Melo takes the ride, and they jump from barrier No 7.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 4 Firu Star, 7 Love On Time, 1 Alma Mater, 10 Giambattista