CRUISE IS THE DRAWCARD

Henk Steenkamp

Cruise Control will be the main drawcard at Friday’s Fairview Polytrack meeting.

The son of Querari put on quite a show when he won his last two starts over 1000m very easily.

Racing fans have been looking forward to his next start and will be eager to see the four-year-old gelding in action in the Racehorse Owners Association Pinnacle Stakes.

The race is over 1200m and the task for Cruise Control might be a little more difficult this time.

He prefers 1000m but has no problem with the 1200m. Cruise Control also loves the surface – he is unbeaten from four starts on the Poly - and has developed a very good relationship with jockey Luyolo Mxothwa.

He is not the biggest horse around and the 62kgs he has to carry won’t make things easier but Cruise Control is in such wonderful form and looks like a banker in all bets.

Trainer Gavin Smith expects a big run.

“Cruise is flying at home. He is looking an absolute picture.

“There is always a question mark with him over 1200m but he has learned to settle in a race,” Smith commented.

Challengers like Cliff Top, Evies First and Inherit The Rain will have to be at their very best to deny Cruise Control a 11^th career victory.

Very warm weather is predicted for the meeting of eight races. The first race is at 12:40 and is the first leg of the Bipot.

The Place Accumulator starts with the second race at 13:15. The third race gets the Pick Six underway.

Forest Spy (Smith) will be trying to make it two victories in a row when he lines up for the fourth race, the first leg of the first Jackpot.

Cruise Control, racing in the same colours of Mauritian owner Vicky Veeramootoo as Forest Spy, will be a popular banker in the first leg of the second Jackpot, race five.

You Win Again (Alan Greeff), jumping from a wide draw, will be aiming to make it back to back victories in the sixth race.

The stable is expecting another good run from the four-year-old Twice Over filly. She can be considered as a banker.

Find our tips at Henk Se Wenk.