The supporters of Cliff Top have been through some highs and lows and the gelding put in a dismal effort last time when seventh and 8.45 lengths behind Khaya’s Hope.
That run came after pleasing runs throughout this year.
Cliff Top had looked at his very best on the turf and the reported excuse came back as “fatigued”.
Whatever the reason, the Canford Cliffs gelding has put in some disappointing runs every now and then.
His record of six wins in his 18 starts is still very good and he could bounce back to score In Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m. Jockey Richard Fourie, who has been aboard him in his last nine starts with four wins, is back on board.
Earlier on the card in Race 2, disappointing filly Sea Of Stars makes her local debut. This Crusade four-year-old threatened to get out of the maiden ranks very early in her career but although getting close, has yet to score.
She has lost her way of late so the change in surroundings could spark some improvement and it is worth noting she finished runner-up the last time she was on the Polytrack.
The main race of the day Race 6, The Fairview 1900, sees trainer Alan Greeff with a decent hand.
Heathcliff made good progress the longer he was under Greeff’s care and won some nice races but as has so often been the case all year one has to take more notice of his runners who are ridden by Fourie.
Global Alley has won all three of his races for Greeff and Fourie has stuck with him but this is Global Alley’s toughest task so far but he may well be up to it.
If those two were not strong enough for Greeff he has a third who could also shine. Bournemouth has made progress all year and was very impressive when scoring in September.
Bournemouth has also won a couple of times on the Polytrack so would not be a surprise winner.
Rival trainer Gavin Smith saddles Chief Arno as his main hope and this Capetown Noir gelding is clearly better than his last run would suggest.
Another runner sure to have his supporters is Gallic Tribe who picked up a Polytrack Challenge not too long ago.
Clive Robinson
