Marshall’s raider set to strike at Fairview

Viv Greybe

Cape Town raider Zeb, out of Vaughan Marshall’s stable, could be up to the task at the Fairview Polytrack today when lining up with Louis Mxothwa in Race 7 and top event, the November Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1400m.

This six-time winner – all over 1400m – closed his KwaZuluNatal campaign with a gutsy pillar-to-post win at the Greyville Polytrack. Then next time when starting his five-year-old season and neglected in the betting he ran out a clear-cut winner in a MR 88 Handicap at Durbanville.

This gelding was not disgraced in his following outing when up in class, as he showed similar pace and was a creditable runner-up in a MR 94 Handicap over the same course and distance.

Then in his subsequent outing he held form well – running on stoutly under 57.5kg at Durbanville and snatching victory in a MR 84 Handicap.

With a handy galloping weight of 55.5kg and having a good inside draw, the gelding will be tough to beat over his most effective distance.

The raider will have most to fear in Gavin Smith-trained sixtime winner Dawnbreaker with Craig Zackey up. This five-yearold has not been unplaced in his last 12 starts which yielded five wins.

But both will have to be on guard against top-weight Afrikaburn from Tara Laing’s stable with Chase Maujean aboard. Next best are Captain Marmalade, Breakfast Club and Silver Blade.

Look to Smith-trained Hallo Rosie (Muzi Yeni) for a profitable start to the meeting.

This three-year-old filly has improved with each run and should exit the maiden ranks this time with the advantage of pole position.