Greek Fire to resume winning ways
There appears to be tons of value on today’s Vaal meeting and if you’re in search of a BiPot banker, look no further than the Sean Tarry-trained Hareer, who following a commendable showing on debut when runner-up behind a decent sort in Pachanga, looks more than ready to shed her maiden tag when she reunites with champion jockey Lyle Hewitson in Race 2, a FM Maiden Plate over 1600m on the Classic track. This smashing daughter of Silvano was her own worst enemy on that occasion considering she lost a length out the gates. Plus she only got going over the last 300m or so which suggests that the three-yearold may have found the 1200m trip too short. She’ll prove most lethal over this extra 400m and her case is further strengthened by the fact she is drawn at an advantageous No 1. Gavin Lerena’s mount Pigeon Post will pose the main danger. There was a lot to like about Greek Fire’s latest triumph when skipping 1.50 lengths clear of a competitive field, and the good news is, that form line has produced two winners – most notably Grade 1 winner Hero’s Honour. On that performance, Mike and Adam Azzie’s charge could prove too good for rivals when he contests Race 3, a MR 95 Handicap over 1600m. This four-year-old son of Dynasty is drawn worst of all but that shouldn’t raise too many red flags because he got the better of a shocking draw in his latest offering under the in-form Lerena who retains the ride. The pair come into this contest with 1.5kg less than main danger Pilou (60kg), who is perfectly drawn at No 1 and is in pursuit of an impressive fourth consecutive victory over this distance. Take a boxed Swinger or Exacta featuring the pair and maybe float them with the field in a Quartet. Trainer Paul Peter threw Monopolize in the deep end following a month’s stint off the racetrack and this Elusive Fort colt wasn’t disgraced, finishing 5.30 lengths behind Triple Crown hopeful Hawwaam in the Grade 3 Tony Ruffel Stakes. He should improve on that effort, and looks a great each way prospect when he runs in Race 5, an Assessment Plate over 1450m under Lerena who steered him to victory on the second time of asking. They will have to get the better of bottom-weighted Blonde Vision who carries 2.5kg less at 54kg. She has finished third in two consecutive starts since a 3.10-length runaway victor over 1200m in November 2018. She proved her staying capabilities in her penultimate start when unluckily nabbed by Cordillera in a Listed over 1400m. Blonde Vision gets the services of Warran Kennedy, tops the best-weighted column and is smartly drawn No 5.
Please note that TAB has officially opened betting for Saturday’s Grade 1 R5-million Sun Met Celebrated with G.H.MUMM. TAB will offer a number of carryovers, headlined by the R2-milllion Pick 6 that is expected to reach R10 million.