Henk Steenkamp
THERE is no feature race but the babies, stayers and the old man make Friday’s Fairview Polytrack meeting a very interesting one.
The veteran Gauteng stayer Nebraas (Sean Tarry) will be at Fairview to take on the best local stayers in the Racing Today Pinnacle Stakes over 2200m.
The former Gold Cup winner has lost his way a bit recently, but is better than his recent form suggests.
Nebraas takes on weaker this time and if he likes the poly, the 8yo gelding should be in the mix. Denis Schwarz is keen to take the ride.
Zatara Magic (Gavin Smith) is the reigning champion stayer in the Eastern Cape. He has to carry 62kgs, but likes the poly and the stable is in great form.
The Alan Greeff-trained Official Secret is a worthy favourite after her impressive win in the Betway Wedgewood Handicap.
The 6yo mare is the best weighted horse in the race and has the champion Richard Fourie in the saddle. It looks competitive but Official Secret is the one to beat.
Tara Laing saddles two lively runners in Spin Doctor and Juan Carlos, while Runaway Song (Smith), Bournemouth (Greeff) and Downing Seven (Jacques Strydom) can also feature.
This is race four and is the first leg of the carryover Jackpot One. Hopefully the pool will get close to R1 million when the horses jump at 14:15.
There will be huge interest in the first race which is the first Juvenile race of the Eastern Cape season.
Six two-year-olds will face the starter at 12:30 in a tricky start to the Bipot.
The 8yo gelding El Romiachi (Zietsman Oosthuizen) will continue to try and make history when he lines up for his 103rd start in race seven at 16:00.
The old man is a big crowd favourite at Fairview after winning his 100th start. He followed it up with wins in his next two starts and now El Romiachi will be aiming to make it a fourth consecutive victory.
He is in with a chance in a handicap over 1600m but it won’t be easy against the likes of Destiny’s Angel, Waz Wouter (both Smith), Dubai Hills (Greeff), Makhachev (Kelly Mitchley), Thunder Master (Strydom) and Timbavati River (Laing) – a competitive event.
The Pick Six starts with race three at 13:40 where Lotus Island (Justin Snaith) looks like a banker.
Arabian Red (Greeff) is also one to consider as a banker. She will contest the sixth race after a very easy victory in her last start over track and trip.