Falkland to win the sprint battle
Ferraris winning streak to continue
Brett Crawford-trained Falkland appears above average and should regain winning form when he contests Race 5, a MR 80 Handicap over 1000m the Polytrack at Greyville today.
He wasn’t disgraced in his latest effort when failing to justify 33-10 favouritism, beaten 1.50 lengths into second by a progressive sort in Socrates.
This three-year-old speedster reunites with jockey Corne Orffer who rode him to an impressive runaway 3.50-length triumph over the course-and-distance one run back.
“The unkindest cut of all has obviously done the trick,” said assistant trainer Peter Muscutt when commenting on Falkland becoming a different class horse since getting gelded. “He’s a smart horse and I think he’s going places.”
In his favour is he loves the Polytrack and appears far better than the 78 he is currently rated so is not too badly weighted, carrying 58kg. He is also drawn No 6 and should prove too good for this field.
Apprentice jockey Luke Ferraris is riding at the top of his game and with a 4kg claim should pose the main danger aboard Queen Of Alamo (60kg) who has faced much stronger.
She is the model of consistency and stayed on exceptionally well in her latest
effort when beaten 2.25 lengths into fourth by Neptune’s Rain.
For Quartets players, float the pair with as many runners as your budget allows.
You are likely to survive leg 5 of the Pick 6 – Race 7, a MR 78 Handicap over 1600m - with just two runners, Dance Off and Savuti. The latter makes most appeal having run an inspiring second behind Cashin last time, beaten 0.75 lengths.
Although carrying level weights with Dance Off at 57.5kg he will unfortunately
have to jump from the worst of draws as opposed to Dance Off’s advantageous No 1.
With respect to the 80-day stint off the racetrack, Andre Nel’s charge could register a third career win.
The 1900m trip was a touch too far for Dance Off on the turf last time when lacking a strong finish. He’s proven most effective on the Polytrack and could register a third career win dropping back to the mile.
Ferraris rides Majestica, a worthy BiPot banker in the first leg – Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1400m for trainer Glen Kotzen. The 4kg claim should come in handy plus Majestica has the right form credentials to win this sort of contest.
The apprentice could double-up aboard Eachway prospect Star Of Zeus I Race 2, once again for Kotzen. This two-year-old Zoustar colt has inspiring form and just 56kg to carry.