Railtrip and Baby Shooz look to be unstoppable

Bonginkosi Nkosi

Greyville racecourse has been notoriously known for producing major upsets of late, so it may come as a surprise to most that there is a solid Pick 6 banker in the form of Baby Shooz – backed to even money – in Sunday’s Race 9, a Maiden Plate over 1600m on the turf track.

This Brett Crawford-trained colt has placed in two of three career starts, including when beaten two lengths into third by Brass Bell at this venue most recently.

In this three-year-old’s defence, he was returning from a three-month layoff on that occasion so, although that that result was good, it simply is not a true reflection of his ability.

He was forced to run on from a hopeless position passing the 300m marker, needing to make up 8.60 lengths!

Most impressive was the fact once the right gaps opened, he produced a smashing turn of foot and was only beaten two lengths over 1400m.

Watching that contest, it was clear to see that Baby Shooz is crying for the extra ground. He tops the best handicapped column, shouldering an advantageous 2kg less than main danger Slew City at 58kg.

In-form jockey Anton Marcus takes the ride and the pair will further benefit from the No 3 draw in this 14-horse field.

Following a decent fourth in her penultimate start, punters were convinced Railtrip would be fit enough to win her follow-up but that was not the case.

She ran her heart out under an animated Anton Marcus, but could only manage second, beaten a nose into second by Bank Robber.

That form line has produced a winner and considering Railtrip will strip fitter and stronger on Sunday, she should justify favouritism.

Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Ode looks the best bet on the card in Race 1, having finished close-up seconds in her last two performances.