Jack Milner: Global Drummer suffered a surprise defeat in his last run, but the Gavin Smith-trained gelding is expected to atone for that loss when he lines up in the Listed Ibhayi Stakes over 1400m on the turf track at Fairview on Friday.
He must just have had an off day last time over this course and distance and was caught late by Tiger In The Sun and Moon Dance, but was still only 0.15 lengths behind the winner at the post.
The result was a surprise because in five previous clashes, Tiger In The Sun had finished behind Global Drummer.
Lyle Hewiton takes the ride on Global Drummer for the first time.
Both Tiger In The Sun and Moon Dance will reoppose in this line-up but a bigger threat cold be Cape raider Tarantino. Justin Snaith’s charge faced Global Drummer on two previous occasions and was comfortably beaten in both races but he might have improved since then and needs to be considered.
Earlier on this card we have some interesting races.
Rivals Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff clash with the juveniles in the first race. Old Glory showed her rivals a clean pair of heels when impressive on her debut and will be receiving a sex allowance from Cruzador.
Her rival quickened up nicely to score on his debut and could be even smarter this time around.
Atyaab showed his sixth place in last year’s Summer Cup was full of merit and he performed very well in Cape Town with a runner-up berth and followed that up with a facile win in the Grade 2 Western Cape Stayers over 2800m where he comfortably beat a top field.
He is clearly at his very best in staying races and might not get the pace he needs in the small field but it is worth noting South African Champion Jockey Warren Kennedy is carded to ride him.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 2 Old Glory, 1 Cruzador, 5 Silent Observer, 6 Twice As Corageous
Race 2: 3 Gin Fizz, 2 La Bella Mia, 5 Varsity Bourbon, 1 Big Bay
Race 3: 2 Rooibos, 12 Red White And Blue, 4 Stepitupbaby, 5 Carola