Wild Brier can tame them

WILD Brier is in top form and should notch another victory when he contests the Betting World Pinnacle Stakes over 2400m on the Fairview turf track tomorrow.

The Gavin Smith-trained gelding won very easily last time out, a fortnight ago, defeating Free Agent by 3.50 lengths over 1800m.

The six-year-old son of Ideal World has been racing superbly since joining his new yard from Candice Dawson’s Gauteng stables. He was an unlucky loser in the Algoa Cup but should put his best foot forward here and can be regarded as an exotic bet banker with Teague Gould back in the irons.

All five of Wild Brier’s career wins have come over less ground than he tackles today, but he is a classy sort and might enjoy the extra trip.

If he doesn’t stay the distance, all of Multi Gold, Grandissimo and Fire In The Belly become serious challengers.

Multi Gold came close last time, finishing 0.75 lengths behind Grandissimo over 2800m, and he should finish in the money again.

Grandissimo won well that day with Lyle Hewitson up and the champion jockey retains the ride for owners Greg Bortz and Braam van Huyssteen. With only 53.5kg on the back, he must be considered.

Fire In The Belly, who will have Greg Cheyne up for the Alan Greeff yard, tries a longer distance for the first time and has the ability to upset on his best form.

Former Alec Laird runner Sheet Weaver also needs respect on his local debut.

In all, 15 runners will be making their Port Elizabeth debuts at the meeting – including five in the first race. They are Playhouse Mouse (for local trainer Jacques Strydom, ex-Weiho Marwing), Peking Tyson (Gavin Smith, ex-Tobie Spies), Hartleyseven (Duncan McKenzie), Highland Hero (Yvette Bremner, ex-Eric Sands) and Prince In Action (Des McLachlan, ex-Garth Puller).

The nine-race card kicks off at 12:20 with this Maiden Plate over 1200m. Highland Hero, with Hewitson up, can get punters off to a winning start.