Jack Milner: On a day in which they could hang a sign at the Fairview gate reading “welcome to another Alan Greeff benefit day” it could be old rival Gavin Smith who holds the best trump card, when he saddles Var’s Boy in Race 7 today.
Owned by Khaya Stables, this well-bred son of Var has had exceptional form since arriving in Port Elizabeth from Brett Crawford. Crawford, having started off in the Eastern Cape, has a good feel for which horses will do well in the province and this looks to be another winner.
He has run three times – all on the Polytrack – for a third on local debut and two subsequent facile wins. He should have no issues notching up a third successive victory. Var’s Boy goes well for Marco van Rensburg who is up once again.
Greeff has some decent runners, starting off Hawthorn in Race 4, a FM 80 Handicap over 2000m.
This Flower Alley four-year-old filly has done pretty well since moving to Greeff, winning twice in just four starts.
Hawthorn picked up six points for her two wins since the lockdown and that may have had something to do with her only able to finish third last time out. But she does seem capable of better than that.
Greg Cheyne was in good form on Monday for the yard and he will have to be at his best aboard the filly as he will need to overcome No 10 draw.
Turn It Up Harvey has struggled to get out of the maiden ranks but does look hard to oppose in Race 2. Form does not lie and 1600m looks a touch too far. The drop to 1400m looks right up his street.