As race meetings go in the Eastern Cape, Friday 25 March at Fairview is a pretty big one with the running of the Listed East Cape Sprint Cup, and the Listed East Cape Guineas.
The rivalry between the local trainers amongst themselves, and the raiders, are set to continue.
In Race 6, the Guineas, a small field of just six runners are carded to go to post and it might well end up being a one-horse race.
Only one of the six carded, Master Redoute, has competed at the highest level. He contested the Grade 1 Cape Derby over 2000m, where he finished ninth in a field of 12. Prior to that, he was runner-up to Universal in the Grade 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m.
That is arguably the best form on offer in this race.
Master Redoute does boast two wins to his name from six starts and both were over the distance of this race (1600m).
Jockey Grant van Niekerk knows him well, having ridden him in all his starts.
It is a bit of a concern that trainer Andre Nel has reached for blinkers this time as that is an unknown risk.
Race 7, the East Cape Sprint over 1200m, could be a more competitive race.
Local superstar Global Drummer trained by Gavin Smith has only been beaten once in his last nine starts and that was four runs back in October last year. It is worth noting that it was over the course and distance of this contest, which will give the other runners some hope of ending his phenomenal streak.
Global Drummer likes to have things all his own way and, in that defeat, he did not get to the front to dictate. Always chasing, his performance was below his normal standard.
Since then, he has been allowed a lead in every outing again and the contenders never really got an opportunity to get in any kind of blow.
Here he takes on a field where a number should challenge for the early lead and that could open it up.
This particular scenario will play to the strength of Cape Town raider Speed Machine, trained by Justin Snaith.
This Legislate gelding has a strong finish when on song and he is reunited with Jockey S’manga Khumalo who was aboard him the last time he visited the winner’s enclosure.
The connections of Speed Machine will also be hoping that there is enough rain to ensure a soft track as those conditions are what he really likes.
Clive Robinson
