There is another Polytrack meeting at Fairview this Friday and there are come clear choices in some nice races.
First up in Race 4, the Guineas Plate for three-year-olds over 1600m, trainer Alan Greeff has a decent hand and headlining for him is Fairy Knight.
This talented three-year-old has been unlucky of late having finished runner-up in three of his last four starts.
The Global View colt has always looked decent, and he can start turning those seconds into first-place finishes.
Admittedly, his worst run of the year was over this course and distance when unplaced in a handicap. That particular run was too bad to believe it as a true reflection of Fairy Knight’s form and jockey Rochard Fourie continues to stick with him.
A wide draw will not make it easy for Fairy Knight, but he is clearly the best runner in this line-up.
Rival Gavin Smith has been getting filly Golden Pacific to show her best form and she has won three handicaps in a row.
Golden Pacific drops back to a 1200m this time in Race 7, Pinnacle Stakes for fillies and mares, against some very speedy rivals but from draw No 1 she should get the run of the race.
It is interesting that Smith has dropped S’manga Khumalo, who has a 100% win record in four rides, with the filly to give a 4kg claimer a chance.
Apprentice Kobeli Lihaba will be pleased to get an opportunity like this so early in his career.
The last race has always comprised tricky handicaps but since joining Greeff’s yard, Path Of Choice has already won twice and looked a most unlucky loser last time out.
Path Of Choice has been winning on the Polytrack this year and Fourie can bring it home from a tricky No 9 draw.
Ot would be remiss of me not to say something on the return of jockey Greg Cheyne for this meeting.
It is end of the Flat season in the UK and Cheyne is back to ride a few for “old boss” Greeff.
It is unlikely Cheyne will go home winless and he has picked up a good ride with Gideon’s Daughter in Race 3, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m.
She has proven difficult to win with but let’s leave it up to Cheyne to sort that out.
Clive Robinson
