Poker to show a winning hand
ABILITY: LETS PLAY POKER DOING REALLY WELL AND CAN GET BETTOR OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START Greaterix reveals his potential in maiden win.
Last week saw my return from suspension and I managed to have three winners, and a special mention must be made for my win on Bellevarde for trainer Joe Soma. This was my first ride for him in a long time and as I mentioned in my interview, he was instrumental in my career and my move to Johannesburg, so I’m thrilled at been able to have a winner for him – and long may it continue.
In last week's column our best bet To The Rescue and our value bet, Frances Ethel, were both victorious and I truly hope that helped our followers.
Greaterix was my most comfortable winner this week and I hope my followers listened to what I said in my previous column about this horse and what I thought of him.
He is a lovely animal and I think he is feature-race quality and one to be followed right through his career.
We also had the running of three feature races at Turffontein last Saturday, the Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial, the Listed TAB Hawwaam Stakes and the Listed TAB Aquanaut Handicap.
There were some really good performances on the day and definitely a couple to watch in the upcoming feature races.
Frances Ethel proved too strong in the Oaks Trial, showing she is really well above average, and on her performance last week I believe the further she goes the better she’ll be. I am sure it is on to the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks next.
Well done to owners Dayalan Chinsammy and Grant Knowles, trainer Brett Crawford and jockey Athandiwe Mgudlwa on a lovely win.
Marauding Horde was extremely impressive when winning the Hawwaam Stakes on route to his most likely next step, the Grade 1 SA Derby on 6 April.
He has always been a highly regarded horse but there is no doubt the blinkers did the trick and on that performance he could be anything.
Well done to all the connections on a lovely win and of course to trainer Mike de Kock and jockey Marco van Rensburg.
Crimson King won the TAB Aquanaut Handicap giving the Crawford stable a feature-race double.
It was a lovely ride by Piere Strydom, and on that effort I think this six-year-old gelding could definitely be competitive in the upcoming staying feature races.
Racing today takes place at Turffontein where there is a nine-race card on offer, headlined by the Grade 3 Betway Sycamore Sprint for fillies and mares over 1160m.
There is, of course, racing at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth as well but our focus will be on the Turffontein card where I have a full book of rides and I’m hoping to boot home a couple of winners.
Race 1 is a Maiden Plate (A) over 1160m and I ride Lets Play Poker who is my best bet on the entire card.
He returns after a fairly lengthy break, but he gave me a lovely feel on debut, and he is doing really well. I’ll be very disappointed if he doesn’t win.
Our main danger will probably come from an unraced horse, so watch the betting because this will be your best guide to their chances.
Race 2 is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1160m and I ride Gold Agent who drops back in trip after a slightly disappointing effort over 1450m.
On her best form, she definitely has a decent chance and I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t finish in the first three.
However, we all have Quick Trip to beat. She is having her third run after a rest and the stable is in top form, so she should be cherry ripe for a bold showing.
Bilingual ran really well last time out and although it wasn’t the strongest race, she has to be respected for Trifectas and Quartets.
Race 3 is a Graduation Plate over 1600m and I ride Scarlett Pimpernel who returns from a small break in which he was gelded.
He also drops back in trip and while that might not be in his favour, I still believe he has the ability to feature and must be included in all bets.
This is wide open as nearly every horse in the race has winning claims on their best form.
Royal Edition ran a lovely race to a top filly last time out and must rate a massive runner.
MK’s Dreams is having his third run after a rest and will be cherry ripe for a massive run.
Presley and Global Impact are others to consider.
Race 4 is a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m and I ride Gimme A Shot who comes into the race with 52kg. She is really well weighted because of the conditions of the race and I think she is the horse to beat.
Her last win was very good considering she wasn’t fully tuned up and she would have come on for the run.
Quantum Theory is having his third run after a rest and the form of his latest race is working out very well as both Main Defender (Grade 1) and Swing Upon A Star have both come out to win.
He is drawn well and rates the main danger.
Humdinger ran a lovely race when second last time out to Silver Hills. She’s the joint best weighted horse and must be respected.
Texas Red comes in with a light weight and after a really good last run, he must be looked at for wider bets.
Race 5 is a MR 94 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m and I ride Sea Anemone who was disappointing in her last start. She will have to come back to best to feature.
I think Vix Princess is the filly we all have to beat. She is in really good form and comes in off a lovely draw so should get the run of the race.
Just Be Lekker ran really well last time out and is the immediate danger.
Cape Lights is in good form but is drawn badly and that is a major concern.
Race 6 is a Graduation Plate over 1160m and I ride Ready To Charge. I think he is a massive runner and whatever beats me will win.
His two previous runs up the straight were exceptional and a replica of that will see him just about win.
Elegant Ice is the horse we all have to beat. She is the best weighted horse after she gets the apprentice allowance off her back and with 50.5kg to shoulder, she must be a massive runner.
Mount Pilates ran well below par last time out, but he has excuses and on his previous form he is a definite runner.
Race 7 is the Grade 3 Betway Sycamore Sprint for fillies and mares over 1160m and I ride In The Beginning who is a quality filly on her day.
If she produces her best form, she can run into the money.
I think we all have White Pearl to beat as she brings the best form into the race. She drops back in trip but if that is what she is looking for, then she is a massive runner.
Mrs Browning returns from a small break but her two previous wins were really good, and she is the main danger.
One Fell Swoop won the feature race in good fashion last time out and a repeat of that will see her fight out the finish.
Race 8 is a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m and I ride Amber Rock who is my value bet on the card.
She is having her second run after a rest which is a slight concern, but I think she has found the perfect field to get another win under her belt.
Cosmic Star is in good form and he rates my main danger, even though 1000m might be a touch on the sharp side.
Aussenkehr ran a really good race last time out and on that he is a definite inclusion for wider bets.
Rainbow Reward and Var Park are others with each-way chances.
Race 9 is a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m. This race is wide open, so go as big as the budget will allow.
I ride Sakhala Is’Cathulo who gave me a good feel when I won on him two starts back. His last run out the maidens was fair, so I’m hoping for a good performance.
Siberian Steel ran on really well last time out so rates a definite runner and is probably the horse to beat.
Covert Operator returns from a rest and if ready he’ll be right there.
All of Dontshootthebarman, Kinshin Sha and Articuno must be respected and included in bets.