A masterclass ride by Sun Met winning jockey MJ Byleveld was just the tonic required to get the Hollywood Syndicate’s consistent Pomodoro filly Hollywood Thunder out of the maiden ranks at Fairview on Wednesday.
Not that currently injured regular jockey Marco van Rensburg had ever done anything wrong on the Klawervlei Stud-bred galloper. But after five straight seconds she took her earnings over the R100 000 mark – despite almost fluffing her lines in the final strides.
MJ Byleveld gets the best out of Hollywood Thunder as Greg Cheyne urges the favourite All The Stars to come right back on the outside (Pic – Pauline Herman)
Hollywood Thunder tracked Royal Splurge and 14-10 favourite All The Stars into the straight in the 1300m Fillies & Mares Maiden and moved up smartly under a left handed ride by ‘Bakkies’ Byleveld.
After it looked like the Hollywood galloper would go on and wrap things up with ease, All The Stars rallied strongly and came back for more.
But the Judge went for the photo and posted Hollywood Thunder a thrilling head winner in a time of 76,44 secs.
Hollywood-sponsored trainer Gavin Smith has done a terrific job keeping the gutsy filly on the boil.
Hollywood Thunder proudly wears her owner’s blanket (Pic – Pauline Herman)
A R260 000 Cape Ready To Run Sale graduate, Hollywood Thunder is out of the four-time winning Lithuanian mare, Pacific Breeze.
Gavin Smith and MJ Byleveld promptly followed up with a double when Lady Of Choice stormed home to win the second race.
