Wild Brier all set to bloom at Fairview
ALGOA Cup runner-up Wild Brier is tipped as an exotic bet banker for today’s Fairview Polytrack meeting.
This Gavin Smith charge almost stunned punters when he lost the Algoa Cup by the proverbial whisker over 2 000m in Port Elizabeth’s top event of the year.
Wild Brier came into that race as the second biggest outsider at odds of 45-1 but surprised all to be pipped on the line by Justin Snaithtrained favourite Magnificent Seven. Wild Brier’s defeat of 0.05 lengths was the closest a PE horse had come to winning the Algoa Cup in nine years.
Today’s 1 900m trip should suit Wild Brier, and with Lyle Hewitson taking over the riding duties from Teaque Gould could point to a fifth career victory for the Ralphs Racing gelding.
Wild Brier, formerly trained by Candice Dawson, will have his third run for his new stable and should be too strong for the field if his Algoa Cup run is repeated.
His main opposition should come from Titus and Strong ’N Brave, who should both give a good account of themselves.
Titus, who will have veteran Shannon Devoy in the saddle for the Jacques Strydom yard, finished seventh last weekend over 2 000m, but was only 1.85 lengths behind the winner.
Devoy retains the ride and looks set to improve on his last run.
Strong ’N Brave, who will have Gould in the saddle for the Grant Paddock yard, finished just in front of Titus last time, ending up in sixth position.
Also keep an eye on Silver Blade, who will have Ryan Munger in the irons for the Yvette Bremner stable.
The main event of the day is Race 2, a MR 86 Handicap over 1 900m.
Here the vote goes to the Paddock-trained Border Control, who was an easy winner in his last race when he defeated Rosslyn Chapel by 2.50 lengths over 1 600m.
Border Control, a four-time winner from 23 outings, will have Louis Mxothwa in the saddle and will jump from gate No 3.
He could be pushed all the way by It Is Written, who drew away easily in his last start when he won over 1 800m at odds of 22-1.
Chase Maujean remains in the saddle and should push for a consecutive victory for owner Fred Crabbia.
Others to consider include Plano and Wish To Land.
The first race is off at 1300.