The next leg of the reloaded Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge takes place over eight races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf track at a rare Black Friday twilight meeting today.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the face of life as we know it, right down to shopping, with retailers unlikely to face the opening time Black Friday stampede of years gone by as many shoppers resort to the relative safety of online shopping.
The popular Hollywoodbets Greyville night meetings have also become an impracticality during the lockdown, and thus Gold Circle’s decision to roster a ‘twilight’ meeting with what would have been a night time slot, with the first race starting before 14h30 and the eighth and final race off before 18h30 on Friday evening.
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The meeting looks wide open, and with the scratching of Dean Kannemeyer’s fancied My Big Vision in the first, the race suddenly takes on a tricky complexion.
Keagan de Melo switches from his scratched engagement to Shane Humby’s Twiceasfast, who gets a run as first reserve.
Gold Circle’s Publishing Manager Andrew Harrison provides his valued two cents worth on each race, and Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge players may want to breeze through the veteran’s snapshot of each contest.
- RACE 1: Preview:
EMERALD PALACE (5) was a well beaten fourth over this distance last time out her first run back from a break where she did have the worst of the draw. She is better drawn here and can still improve further. DIAMONDS AND TOADS (2) finished a distant third on the poly last start. Her best effort has been on the turf and is improving fast. TIME TO ROLL (4) is a first timer that may be worth following. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-4-1).
- RACE 2: Preview:
FULL BLAST (4) returns from a short break but has put in two smart efforts to date. He has drawn well and should put in another good showing. SANCTITY (8) disappointed in a tongue-tie last run after a smart previous showing. The tongue-tie comes off. FLYING PETER (7) returns from a lengthy break but shows promise. He will enjoy the extra but could just need it. THEYDON’TKNOWME (2) is coming along the right way and has done well over course and distance. From a good draw he should be a big runner. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-7-2).
- RACE 3: Preview:
MR GONZALES (6) found some market support in a promising sprint debut. He should much prefer this trip. TIME TAKER (2) beaten odds-on chance last run. Drawn well and can make amends. MY LORD AND MASTER (4) shows fair sprint form but should much prefer this trip. He is one to watch in the market. HATTON HALL (8) is lightly raced but has not been far back in his last two. He gets a useful 4kg claimer up and he must rate a winning chance. MONDOVI (10) improved nicely second time out from a wide draw. He should enjoy the extra. (Andrew Harrison: 6-2-4-10-8).
Different days – but we are racing! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
- RACE 4: Preview:
POLICY TARGET (5) is lightly raced and makes his local debut. He was much improved in blinkers last run at Durbanville and looks primed for this race. TIGER TANK (7) has run two big races for his new stable. He stays the trip well and should go well again. A THOUSAND TUNES (15) has a wide draw to contend with but has been much improved since going over ground. ALADO’S PRIDE (6) has put in two promising efforts over shorter and should much prefer the extra with a 4kg claimer up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-7-15-6).
- RACE 5: Preview:
Wide open. IRISH WONDER GIRL (4) drifted in the betting that day and may have just needed the run. She is in good form. STELVIO (2) has put in two promising recent efforts behind Eden Gardens Glitz. She may prefer the poly but should be right there again. SCARLET CHILL (3) was narrowly beaten by EDEN GARDENS BLITZ (7) last run but has the better turf form which could turn the tables. (Andrew Harrison: 4-2-3-7).
- RACE 6: Preview:
KAVIAN’S CARA (4) may just have needed her last outing. Her best form has been on the turf and with a claiming apprentice up she is nicely in at the weights. TREASURED PEARL (10) looks smart. Unbeaten in two starts over ground she does take on stronger here but looks progressive. SACRED BLUES (8) was disappointing last run on the poly but her turf form is good. With a 4kg claimer up she should be more than just competitive. SACRED IBIS (9) is showing signs of returning to her best form She was close-up at long odds at her last two and gets the benefit of a 1.5kg claimer here. (Andrew Harrison: 4-10-8-9).
- RACE 7: Preview:
STELLA ACT (5) met a strong field last start. Should go close. CASINO QUEEN (10) has had two local starts and improved nicely last start. She looks ready now. BELLA BELLARINA (1) has smart form over shorter but should not have any difficulty with the extra furlong. Marcus stays aboard. MEET AT THE GEORGE (3) has been trying further in the Cape but never far back. Back to a sprint may suit. LADY LEGEND (6) is holding form well. Has 4kg claimer up and should feature prominently. (Andrew Harrison: 5-10-1-3).
- RACE 8: Preview:
Difficult. ADMIRAL’S GUEST (1) comes from an in form stable and although stepping up in class he has a good draw and is a strong front runner. CANDYMAN (2) shed his maiden at second time of asking. He is lightly raced and the extra should suit. TAMBORA (3) made a winning local debut. He goes well this trip and has a handy weight. DRUNKEN SAILOR (8) seldom runs a bad race. In good form over the trip of late. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-3-8).
Players stand a chance to win their share of R10 000 every KZN meeting with the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge.
The game is free to play for all Hollywoodbets account holders, using their login credentials on the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge website
Pick one horse for each race on the card, and submit your picks 5 minutes before the first race – so by latest 14h17.
Players receive points depending on where their selection finishes in a race, and how many actual runners there are in a race.
The prize breakdown per meeting is R4 000 for the winner, R2 000 for 2nd place, R1 000 for 3rd place, R500 for 4th place, R250 each for positions 5th to 10th and R100 each for positions 11th to 20th.
Prizes are credited to the winners’ Hollywoodbets account and can be used for betting purposes or withdrawn as cash.
In addition, there will be a monthly prize pot of R20 000 awarded to the Top 20 on the leaderboard based on overall cumulative points.
