LOCALS WILL GIVE IT THEIR BEST SHOT!

Henk Steenkamp

The local stables will give it their best shot in search of back to back victories in the R350 000 Listed Betway Algoa Cup, to be run over 2000m at the Fairview Turf track on Friday.

The Western Cape stables of trainers Justin Snaith and Glen Kotzen are holding their thumbs that they can regain control of the Eastern’s Cape premier race.

Visitors from the Western Cape have been dominating this race in the modern era. Firealley’s victory last year was only the second time in the last 20 years that an East Cape horse has won the Algoa Cup.

Firealley, trained by Jacques Strydom, is back to defend his title but the local onslaught will be led by the reigning East Cape Horse of the Season, My Best Shot.

He was an impressive winner of his last start in the Non-Back Type Friendly City Stakes.

There are a lot in favour of the son of Fire Away who possesses a wonderful turn of foot.

He won his only attempt over track and trip, which means this race will be right up his alley. He jumps from pole position with the East Cape champion jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle.

The stable of trainer Alan Greeff is in sublime form and the supporters of My Best Shot have every reason to believe he can win this one.

He does have to carry the top weight of 61kgs which will be a challenge for the four-year-old.

Kotzen saddles Holding Thumbs and Blackberry Malt. Both ran in last year’s Algoa Cup when Blackberry Malt was the runner-up on the poly surface.

Back on the grass on Friday, Holding Thumbs looks to be Kotzen’s first choice. The son of Vercingetorix had a very good prep and is in great form.

Although at his best over further and carrying 60.5kgs, he is a lively contender with Chad Little aboard.

Kotzen feels the light weight of 52.5kgs makes Blackberry Malt a competitive runner.

The talented Snaith runners Ardabil and Please Be True are up in class but could be dangerous with a light weight.

Arbidal is consistent and only 52.5kgs to carry will certainly help the cause. This is the only ride for JP van der Merwe on the day.

Please Be True looks an interesting runner, carrying a handy galloping weight of 52kgs (9kgs difference with My Best Shot) with Muzi Yeni the pilot.

He is attempting the distance for the first time and if he sees it out, Please Be True could be a threat.

If there is one local trainer who knows what it takes to win the Algoa Cup it is Strydom. Firealley’s preparation didn’t go as smoothly as last year and it is a big task to win again. At his best he will be right there.

There are others carrying light weights who have that upset look about them. One of them is the consistent Global Ally (Greeff), drawn wide but carrying only 52kgs.

It is going to be an exciting renewal of this prestigious event. The class horses My Best Shot and Holding Thumbs should be in the mix, but watch out for those lightweights!

The first of the 8 races is off at 12:25. The feature is race 7 at 16:00.

Boosted by a carryover, the Pick Six Pool should grow past R2 million.

Where to banker? Kingdundee (Gavin Smith, race 4) and Sports Fan (Greeff, race 5) are possibilities.

It could be an exciting clash between the stablemates Kingdundee and Cruise Control in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m. Kingdundee will be looking for a third win in a row.

Sports Fan won her last start very well and can follow up in this FM 84 Handicap over 1000m. The What A Winter filly will have to be at the top of her game though because there are a few very capable challengers ready to strike if she fluffs her lines.

It’s the East Cape’s big day, so let’s give it a full go!