-Henk Steenkamp
The feature race on Friday at a good-looking Fairview Turf Track meeting is the R200 000 Champion Juvenile Cup for two-year-old horses over 1400m – race 7 at 15:50. Many past winners of this race went on to enjoy successful racing careers. Take a look at the recent winners, which include former Durban-July winner Bold Silvano and a former East Cape Horse of the Year Global Drummer.
The East Cape two-year-old king, Kingdundee, will be tested by two Cape Town visitors at the Fairview Turf track on Friday. Makazole (Justin Snaith) and Mauritius Kestrel (Brett Crawford) should fight it out with Kingdundee (Gavin Smith) for victory in the R200 000 Listed Champion Juvenile Cup over 1400m. Friday’s feature, race seven of eight at 15:50, should be a cracking race between the 11 two-year-olds. Kingdundee proved he is the best two-year-old in the Eastern Cape this season. He has won three of his four starts, only beaten by the unbeaten filly Splicethemainbrace (Alan Greeff). The son of United States will appreciate the step up to 1400m and will jump from pole position with regular Craig Zackey aboard. His preparation went really well and Kingdundee looks ready to run another big race. The chances of the Western Cape raiders must be respected. Makazole is highly regarded by the Snaith stable. He showed in his last two Greyville starts against strong opposition that he has the ability to win here. He has a good draw and will be a huge runner. Muzi Yeni becomes the sixth jockey to ride Makazole in as many starts. Mauritius Kestrel, who was third in the Grade 3 Langerman in his last race, is in good form. He is drawn wide but that should not be a problem with his regular jockey Luyolo Mxotha in the saddle. My Best Shot (Greeff) and Golden Link (Sharon Kotzen) are improving nicely and are the dark horses in the race.
Recent winners:
2023: Questor
2022: Port Louis
2021: Peace In Our World
2020: Global Drummer
2019: Foreign Source
2018: Madame Speaker
2017: Kimberley Star
2016: O Tamara
2015: Prince Of Thieves
2014: Jet Set Go
2013: Antonius Du Bois
2012: Sedge
2011: In A Rush
2010: The Plunderer
2009: Bold Silvano
The first race, also the first leg of the Bipot, is off at 12:25. Fantasy Girl (Greeff) and Dafnes Daughter (Snaith) should fight it out for the win.
Race two is at 13:00 and gets the popular Fairview Place Accumulator underway. First Wish (Greeff) and Future Star (Snaith) are big runners.
The three-year-old filly Catch Your Breath (Greeff) is drawn wide but is still the horse to beat in the first leg of the Pick Six, race three at 13:35. A quality field of fillies and mares will fight it out for the win in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1100m. With Three Rocks, Miss Greenlight (both Greeff), Gimme’s Lassie and the visitor Distinction (Snaith) in the race, this should be a cracker!
It is race four at 14:10 and is the first leg of the first Jackpot. Gimme’s Laddie (Smith) could make it two wins in a row when he lines up for race five at 14:45, the start of the second Jackpot. Siberian Steel (Greeff) should be a strong challenger.
Find our selections at Henk Se Wenk.