Ziplock to sew up 1800m handicap

Last time out he contested the East Cape Derby and patently failed to see out the 2400m. Today, however, he returns to Fairview to contest a MR 96 Handicap over 1800m and will be tough to oppose.

Prior to his fifth in the Derby, Ziplock had captured three races for his age group in a row – the Guineas Plate followed by the Ibhayi Handicap and the winning run culminated in a victory in the East Cape Guineas in which he overcame draw No 10 to beat Dance With Wolves by a length.

He has yet to win beyond 1600m but his acceleration indicates the extra 200m will be no problem. He does have to carry 60kg and concedes weight to all the other runners, which could well be his downfall.

So Justin Snaith’s Vettriano looks a genuine threat. The five-year-old flew late last time out to run 1,55 lengths off Pull No Punches at Arlington and will no doubt enjoy the longer Fairview run-in.

Gavin Smith-trained Blue White has been in great form and with Mark Khan aboard, must come into the reckoning. Against him is No 12 barrier position and the fact that he receives only 1,5kg from Ziplock which might not be enough. Ilkeston is another who has been ultra consistent and he could place if Willie Uys can get the best out of him.

Tamarino Bay makes his debut for the Mitchell Wiese yard after moving to the coast from Geoff Woodruff’s yard. He is now seven years old and is currently struggling, but a number of older horses seem to be regenerated when relocating to Port Elizabeth.