Greeff holds all the aces
A MASSIVE duel is on the cards in the Listed East Cape Breeders Stakes over 1 200m at Fairview tomorrow.
With 16 runners facing the starter the race is wide open, but trainer Alan Greeff looks well represented with six runners, of whom all but Scandola seem to have a decent winning chance.
He saddles Beataboutthebush (Aldo Domeyer), Our Destiny (Sandile Khathi), Make It Raine (Greg Cheyne), Stopthinkingofme (Kendall Minnie), Scandola (Charles Ndlovu) and Pepper Oak (Teaque Gould).
However, Greeff cannot expect to have it all his way as several other contenders rate a serious chance. Beataboutthebush and Make It Raine look like Greeff’s main contenders, but Star Burst Galaxy and Secret Star, representing the Tara Laing and Stuart Pettigrew stables respectively, can expect strong support.
Make It Raine, formerly with Brett Crawford in the Western Cape, made a disappointing Fairview debut on June 1 when finishing 10,55 lengths behind Princess Rebel, but she is a much better horse than her last outing suggests. Expect a huge improvement as her Western Cape form shows she can win this race.
Star Burst Galaxy has been in terrific form all year and her last run showed she is returning to her best form.
The big danger seems to be Pettigrew’s Secret Star, who comes to Port Elizabeth as a six-time winner from 20 starts.
She is consistent, will have Karl Zechner in the saddle and jumps from a No 12 draw. Secret Star can go close if showing her best form.
Beataboutthebush is not a seven-time winner from 17 starts for nothing and can collect the winner’s cheque if she runs to her true ability.
Yvette Bremner’s Via Seattle is also a much better horse than her last two runs suggest and with redhot Lyle Hewitson up she cannot be underestimated.
Also look out for strong runs from Our Destiny, Pepper Oak and Joking Dice. Especially Joking Dice who can benefit from a No 16 draw.
In the final analysis the vote goes to Make It Raine with Star Burst Galaxy, Secret Star and Beataboutthebush next best.
The eight-race card is off at 1240 with a Maiden Juvenile Plate.