Three the number to follow

There are some people who consider the number three to be lucky. That could well be the case at today’s racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville where they race on the Polytrack.

In fact, it could be worthwhile to follow horses carded No 3 in the first three races on the card.

In Race 1, a Maiden Handicap over 1400m, Firu Star looks a runner who could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Trainer Garth Puller is a very patient man with his horses and he generally gets them to improve when finding out what best suits the horse.

Firu Star showed promise on the Polytrack in his first two starts and was not disgraced when fourth in his third start.

Those runs were all at a higher level than his next two starts and were above his current handicap mark.

A wide draw saw disappointment in start No 4 but he put that run behind him when narrowly beaten last time out.

Fitter now, he should go lose to winning.

Declare War in Race 2, a Maiden Handicap over 1400m for fillies and mares, has been unreliable to date but is another who has run above her current merit rating. She also clearly needed her last run, her first following a five-month break.

Vast improvement is likely, and she can contest the finish.

Generally, it is not a good idea to be with a horse carrying a huge penalty for their latest run, particularly in a handicap, but Venturous in Race 3 could be an exception.

She won full of running last time out and clearly loves this course and distance.

From a good draw she may well follow up in this MR 65 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m.