3 minute read

Preview and form for Gold Circle's meeting at Greyville on Saturday. Selections by Andrew Harrison.

Race 1

Preview: FILIPPO made a smart debut behind hot favourite Procal Harum who had previously gone close in a winner’s race. That form looks quite solid. CAPTAIN AND MASTER was a beaten favourite on debut when taking on older horses. The winner took his time winning so that form could prove a little suspect although Captain And Master is likely to have improved lengths on that effort. REGENT SEVEN and VITTORIO are first timers to keep an eye on. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-11-13).

Race 2

Preview: Mostly first timers. Of those that have run, OPERA ROYAL made a promising debut and the experience could count. TOLTEC has found market support in both starts and was not too far back. He should feature again. Of the first timers, TEXAS SKY and MONKS HOOD may be two to keep an eye on. (Andrew Harrison: 10-12-11-8).

Race 3

Preview: PACK LEADER won well on debut after finding strong market support. The extra should not trouble him and he should go well again. CAPTAIN’S CHARM may just have needed his last start. He is drawn well and he should be suited to the extra. CAT’S LEGACY surprised on debut. The runner up ran last Sunday so may provide another pointer to the strength of that form. STORM RACER raced green in a promising debut and should improve on that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-2-8).

Race 4

Preview: Wide open. Of the older horses, DIAMONDS FORVER has improved with each outing while stable companion SAPPHIRE PETUNIA made a promising debut before being rested and will have needed her last outing. SHANDY races with a tongue-tie for the first time and can improve on her debut effort. GEE WIZZ comes from a form stable and there should be little between KATEECADOR and VARGRAVES, the latter backed on debut and now racing in blinkers. ROSE HILL was runner-up in all three starts and must also come into the picture. (Andrew Harrison: 9-14-10-5)

Race 5

Preview: This is a weak maiden field but juveniles AWESOME ANGEL ONE and NOBLE DUKE showed up well at their last starts and should come on from those efforts. ON THAT BOULEVARD is a very well bred first timer bred for speed and will go close if his pedigree is any indication. LUCIUS FOX is bred for early speed and is another to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 9-11-12-10).

Race 6

Preview: Difficult race. NEW FORT has come good for his new yard. He stays the trip and even with top weight should be competitive again. CALABASH goes well over course and distance and is holding form He has a lot in his favour. TECHNO CAPTAIN is not the easiest of customers to handle but he has ability and will go close on his best effort. FORBIDDEN JEWEL is the only filly in the race but stays well. She took on much stronger last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-5-7).

Race 7

Preview: THE GREAT ONE was not too far back in a Gr3 feature last start to Horizon. He shows some promise and will go close if not short of a run. LAST WINTER made a smart sprint debut winning readily. He has not been out for nearly a year but steps out first time back over a mile so is one to watch. GYRE has finally found the winning formula after a string of second placings. This is the first runner for visiting trainer Adam Marcus. ROMAN EMPEROR was game when winning last time out and from a good draw has a chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 4-3-5-8).

Race 8

Preview: Tricky race. DARK MOON RISING has only had two starts and showed up well first up in a handicap. He should much prefer this trip and appears to have some scope. STORM OUTGOING is back over a better trip. He has been contesting the KZN Breeders series over distances to short. ELUSIVE WOLF has not been far back in two starts since shedding his maiden. He is lightly raced but has a chance here. DANTE’S LEGACY has a tricky draw to negotiate but has been close-up at recent starts on this track. (Andrew Harrison: 4-14-10-7).

Race 9

Preview: BLAZING WINTER comes from a strong Highveld stable and has not been too far back at recent outings. He could prove to be the one to beat. TROPICAL BLOW takes on males under top weight but does have a decent draw and a claiming apprentice up. STORM FAERIE was much improved in blinkers last run but has a tricky draw to contend with. ROYAL ZULU GUARD is an old warrior who jumps from the worst of the draw but is seldom far back and can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-10-15).