Longstreet just makes it home

THE new poly surface at Hollywoodbets Greyville was under scrutiny yesterday but by all accounts passed with flying colours. After winning the first race run on the new surface, apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto commented that he was sat in behind runners and there was very little kick-back which was music to the ears of jockeys that had suffered the kick-back of the former aging surface, year’s past it’s sell-by date.

- ANDREW HARRISON

Looking to be one of the better bets on the programme in the card opener, the Mathew and Mike de Kock-trained Cherry Oh Baby touched 1-5 in the market but took an ominous drift in the betting just prior to the start with plenty of 11-10 available as some money came for long-time battler Longstreet.

Halfway up the straight, Longstreet supporters looked to have done their money as Andrew Fortune appeared to be sitting with a handful on the favourite.

However, apprentice Mbuto extricated Longstreet from behind horses and produced a telling late run up the outside of the field.

Cherry Oh Baby

Cherry Oh Baby rallied to Fortune’s urgings but Longstreet had the momentum and an 8kg weight advantage, getting home by a short head.

Given the market drift and Fortune’s ride, the stipendiary stewards have opened an inquiry.

When Cape Town trainers are in town for Champion Season it always pays to take note and include their horses in any plays.

Glen Kotzen’s charge Master Bomber pulled the widest gate in the second but Chad Little had no hesitation as Master Bomber pinged the gate and was in front shortly after the start.

He appeared to be a keen in the early exchanges with first time blinkers but once settled he had an easy lead.

Little got him to kick early in the straight and he pinched a winning break.