Punters to get good start

Dennis Drier-trained River Of January with Anton Marcus up has a bright chance to get punters away to a winning start at the Greyville Polytrack today when stepping out in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 1600m.

The colt was a promising third on debut at the Polytrack, but disappointed next time when sent off favourite at Scottsville where he finished fifth out of 16. However, then returning from a four-month break and backed again he had to settle for a three-length fourth over 1200m at the Polytrack.

This three-year-old will have derived much benefit from that run and should recover the losses. He could be followed home by What A Moon, Mighty Mississippi, Q Behind Me and Shantytown.

Another one to follow is Sean Tarry-trained three-time winner Kahula (apprentice Ashton Arries) who contests Race 3, a MR 76 Handicap (F&M) over 2000m.

This four-year-old posted a smart Polytrack double but was not up to scratch in her next two runs at Turffontein and Scottsville. However, when switched to the Polytrack she was back to form with a second over 1950m and then a close third over 2000m.

Arries was carded to ride Kahula as a 1,5kg claiming apprentice, but has since ridden his 60th winner and cannot claim any longer.

However the filly could still defy top-weight under 62,5kg.