Axis Power shows his strength

THERE was a nine race meeting on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly yesterday and it was mostly competitive, although there was an easy and impressive win by a first-timer in the first race and later on a consistent fiveyear-old won a 2000m race by 7,80 lengths off a 55 merit rating.

- DAVID THISELTON

Aristocratic

In the first race over 1200m first-timer Aristocratic represented the famous Dean Kannemeyer/Fieldspring Racing combination, who have twice won the Hollywoodbets Durban July together, first with the great Dynasty in 2003 and then with Eyeofthetiger in 2006.

The Danon Platina colt out of stakes-placed Silvano mare Simply Royal was backed in to 18/10, but looked out of his ground turning for home.

However, he then got going under Craig Zackey and stormed home to overtake second favourite Holy Star and win by an easy and impressive 3,30 lengths, so this two-year-old looks a horse to follow.

In the second race over 1400m the leading freshman sire Erik The Red had his 12th winner of the season when the Wendy Whitehead-trained 7/1 shot Mrsglittersparkles opened up a lead from the off under Calvin Habib and held on by 0,40 lengths from a strong-finishing 2/1 favourite Opera Fan.