Cruising at Fairview

Henk Steenkamp

Cruise Control looks set to make it two victories in a row in Non-Black Type events.

The son of Querari was in top form when he won the Speedsters Stakes on the Fairview Turf a month ago and now tackles the Cradock Place Stakes at the same venue this Friday.

Last time out, Cruise Control won over 1000m. He also has no problem with Friday’s 1200m – he won twice, finished second once and third once (from 8 starts) over this distance.

Cruise Control (Gavin Smith) has struck up a wonderful relationship with jockey Luyolo Mxothwa and the pair should keep their unbeaten record intact.

It is a small field of six runners and Cruise Control looks way too classy for the rest – a popular banker (race 5 @ 14:50).

Speed Machine (Justin Snaith) should run well and get closer to Cruise Control this time.

He finished five lengths behind and is 2kgs worse off at the weights now. Speed Machine will struggle to beat Cruise Control but a huge effort is expected – take the Exacta.

On best form Cliff Top (Alan Greeff) looks the biggest danger to the favourite. He won this race last year and has beaten Cruise Control before.

Cliff Top was last seen in June though. It would be a surprise if he manages to get the better of Cruise Control.

The meeting of eight races starts at 12:30 and Coral Creek (Greeff) should get punters off to a winning start in the first leg of the Bipot.

There has been some money for the first timer Axis Power. Keep an eye on the Kelly Mitchley-trained colt.

The visiting Snaith filly Knockout is a possible banker in race seven, a FM 92 Handicap over 1600m, at 16:00.

Kabelo Matsunyane, who rides Speed Machine in the feature, takes the ride.