Rule of Airways Law on the Greyville Poly

Greyville’s scheduled turf track meeting on Wednesday has been moved to the adjacent Polytrack due to wet weather. This changes the competition dynamic somewhat and punters need to bear this in mind when reading pundits’ views written some days earlier.

And, as always in such cases, there have been a few scratchings. The most important are ante-post favourite Whispers Of War in Race 4 and fancied horses Walton Hall and Tom Bombadil in Race 8.

The absence of Whispers Of War is of special significance to Andre Nel-trained Airways Law as the race it looked likely to be fought out between the two. The latter’s task is now a lot easier, with little else clamouring for attention in the Maiden Plate over 1600m.

Airways Law certainly caught the eye in his sole run to date when he finished strongly on the Poly over 1400m a month ago. By Legislate, the colt will thrive over the extra 200m and is possible exotic bets banker material.

Another runner with an impressive debut to his name is Gareth van Zyl’s Galabier, but that performance was 262 days ago. A return from a long injury break carries much uncertainty and it is reasonable to take a chance on Airways Law being fitter and more tuned on the day.

In the eighth and last race, the switch of track – and the withdrawal of the two turf lovers – brings Poly specialist Rock With Me dramatically into the picture.

The son of Jackson has been campaigned exclusively on the artificial surface this year, clocking up a win and a couple of places in 10 outings. He isn’t the most reliable fellow, it must be said, but his most recent efforts suggest he is in good nick and jockey Warren Kennedy could persuade him to do his best.

Last-start winner Callmemrgreenlight can be included in calculations. However, his worst showing of a four-race career was on the Poly. Similarly, Fade To Black and Hey Bill have not shone on the surface.

Caesura’s form suggests that he is unbothered by what’s under his hooves and ace rider Anton Marcus could be the catalyst to get him back to his best.

SELECTIONS

Race 1:

5 Soweto Rose, 1 Rainbow Spirit, 8 Ndaka, 7 Vegas Gold

Race 2:

6 Another Love, 2 Star Choice, 4 Eager Duchess, 8 Alphonse Baby

Race 3:

6 Siya Vuma, 1 Red Sole, 7 Mighty Mashona, 3 Billy Bazooka

Race 4:

6 Airways Law, 11 Aramugam, 12 Galabier, 9 Protea Pride

Race 5:

4 Young Nelson, 1 A Thousand Tunes, 6 Coral Copy, 7 Grey Linngari

Race 6:

10 Smart William, 12 A Whole New World, 6 Lord Of The Manor, 7 In Auro

Race 7:

5 Giacomo Puccini, 7 Ramchandani Road, 3 Spring High, 2 Hooves Of Troy

Race 8:

6 Rock With Me, 1 Callmemrgreenlight, 4 Caesura, 2 Hey Bill

Pick 6:

1,6,7 x 6 x 1,2,3,4,6,7 x 1,2,6,7,10,12 x 3,5,7 x 1,2,4,6,11,12 (R1944)

PA:

2,6 x 6 x 6 x 1,4 x 10,12 x 5 x 1,2,6 (R24)