Madison Valley hooks up for victory

THE Conditions Plate that was the headline race at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was always going to be something of a guessing game with most of the runners being prepared for races further down the road.

- ANDREW HARRISON

The Frank Robinson-trained MADISON VALLEY, with Craig Zackey up, wins the Online Form Guide www.gallop.co.za Conditions Plate at hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. Picture: Race Coast/ Candiese Lenferna

(Race Coast/ Candiese Lenferna)

It didn't help that warm favourite See It Again was scratched before the start for refusing to load which didn't go down well with the gelding's supporters who expected a little more effort from the starter's assistants.

Robinson

That will all be up for debate but title chasing Craig Zackey took advantage for his third win of the afternoon as Madison Valley made short work of his rivals, Frank Robinson's charge accelerating past the opposition to win uncontested with well-back tote favourite On My Honour not getting the best of passages but a wellbeaten fourth putting paid to a host of exotic bet tickets.

I don't think the handicappers will read much into the race as far as penalties go but it was certainly a smart run from Madison Valley who would appreciate it a touch further but circumstances going his way.

A Betway Summer Cup entry, On My Honour was not disgraced and should come on from this run while it will have been a huge relief for the connections of former Summer Cup winner Royal Victory to see their champion behaved impeccably and doing his best work late over a distance well short of his best.