Juan Nel-trained Royal Shindig looked to be going nowhere after his maiden win in 2021 but blinkers were reached for on 21 December and the improvement was immediate.
The Noble Tune gelding fought hard for a narrow win over this course and distance of Race 7, a MR 72 Handicap over 1600m on the Fairview Polytrack, on Friday.
Put back on the turf in his start the gelding was well beaten but returning to the Polytrack in February the four-year-old gelding scored another narrow victory.
The connections ran him again last month when he finished unplaced finish. That run was in a Pinnacle Plate and he was clearly outclassed. Back in a handicap he may well be of some each-way interest.
Royal Shindig has also built up a great rapport with 1.5kg claiming apprentice Yuzae Ramzan who has been aboard in his last four starts, and he will back in the irons once again.
The main play of the day, though, could be relying on trainer Gavin Smith and his runners in Races 4 and 5. Cane Lime ‘N Soda is unbeaten in two starts on the Polytrack at Fairview and although it is a competitive race, he has been winning his races with authority and will be right there at the finish.
Abia has also won two of her last three starts and should go close to winning a race later in a MR 78 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m.
This Silvano mare clearly likes 1600m on the Polytrack with three of her four wins occurring over the distance.
Pole position draw is a big positive for her and she has a 4kg claimer up which will see her race with just 51kg on her back.
Clive Robinson
