Azzie’s Greek will be on fire
Hakeem looks great value for money
Considering he was drawn worst of all and returning from a lengthy seven-month stint off the racetrack, the highly rated Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Greek Fire ran an absolute cracker in his first performance as a gelding, beaten just 2.40 lengths into fourth place by The Dazzler. The good news is, the latter went on to frank that form, which strengthens Greek Fire’s case when he runs at the Vaal today – making him a worthy Pick 6 banker in Race 4, an Assessment Plate over 1450m on the Classic track.
He was backed into 18-10 last time and all those who remain faithful should be rewarded with a decent payday.
He will improve many lengths having had a run under the belt and all looks to be is in his favour. This four-year-old son of Dynasty is perfectly drawn at No 1 and is taking a massive drop in class.
He tops the best-weighted column by far and considering he runs off a merit rating of 101 he should have no trouble outclassing this lot as the average rating of this contest is 82!
Karl Zechner takes the ride aboard Greek Fire, who should relish the drop in trip. He made light work of opposition on debut, defeating Artax by 5.50 lengths so is clearly above-average.
You will not get rich, but if the Swinger and Exacta bet tickles your fancy, consider adding the Sean Tarry-trained Saints Alive into the mix.
The 91-day layoff from which she returns shouldn’t raise any red flags because she impressively showed no signs of ringrust following a rest in her latest performance when a 1.60-length victor over 1600m at this track.
This daughter of Elusive Fort has won two of her five starts and is yet to run out of the money. This is unlikely to change – at least not today.
Mike de Kock-trained Hakeem is a great eachway prospect when he lines up in Race 8, a MR 76 Handicap over 1800m. He has improved tremendously over his last two starts, running a good fifth in his penultimate start, beaten 2.80 lengths by Gambado, and was two lengths behind Obvious Child in his latest showing. He wasn’t disgraced, though, but could have run a lot closer. Nothing went right. He hung out and was bumped in running, which affected his momentum. If all go his way and he overcomes the worst draw of all, Hakeem’s consistency could finally be rewarded.
At the time of writing, this son of Redoute's Choice is without a jockey. Warren Kennedy was originally carded to ride. Hakeem will have to get the better of Barend Botes-trained Darkest Hour, who caught the eye when runner-up behind Bosphorus last time out.