Catch train at Paddington
JOEY Ramsden-trained Paddington looks hard to beat in the Listed Glenlair Trophy over 3 200m at Fairview tomorrow.
The Western Cape conditioner brings the son of Elusive Fort to Port Elizabeth with great form to contest Race 7, which carries prize money of R150 000.
Paddington, with Charles Ndlovu in the saddle, will only carry 52kg – after shouldering 57,5kg in his last two races at Kenilworth. In his last five starts he has not finished more than 1,45 lengths behind the winner and this time, jumping from pole position, he can control the race from the start.
Paddington is a two-time winner from 22 outings and also has three seconds, three thirds and five fourth places to his credit, showing he is an above-average competitor.
If Paddington fails, it is anybody’s race.
My World, the former Candice Bass-Robinson charge who is now in the care of Tara Laing, is a serious contender. His debut run at Fairview on April 27 was good, with him being narrowly beaten by Kingston Mines over 2 400m.
My World has Callan Murray in the saddle.
Another Laing runner, Plano, will have his supporters after two decent runs in March and April.
He was close on the heels of Desert Wisdom and Kingston Mines and is set for more improvement. He is also 3kg better off on his last outing.
Chase Maujean will be in the irons.
Grandissimo is a danger with Lyle Hewitson up.
Then there is the experienced duo of Kingston Mines and Masterly, both of whom can win it.
Paddington is selected to beat My World, Plano and Grandissimo.
There is also a lot of interest in Race 6, the Fairview 1400.
Several contenders are knocking on the door, but it will be a bit of surprise if the race is not won by either Ramsden’s Catkin or Alan Greeff’s Union Jack.
Union Jack is a former Brett Crawford charge who made a good PE debut earlier in the month when he finished 1,75 lengths behind Exelero. Union Jack just needed that run and Greg Cheyne could make him a strong contender for the winner’s cheque.
Catkin has won eight of his 45 races and will have Karl Zechner up, but Union Jack is selected to win.
The first race is at 12:05.