Wide draw of little concern

A full-house field of 18 will line up at Fairview on Sunday for the running of the R350,000 Sunshine Sweepstake Algoa Cup (Listed) over 2000m.

All eyes will be on the Western Cape raiders who continue to dominate in this event – and add into the mix a Gauteng raider Stonehenge out of the stable of champion trainer Sean Tarry.

Brett Crawford-trained Nebula, who won this race last year under 52,5kg with Richard Fourie up, will carry 59kg this time with top-flight Bernard Fayd'Herbe aboard, but is badly drawn.

However, Crawford is not unduly worried about the barrier position.

“He is doing well at home and has had a good preparation.

“He is fit and well and his wide draw is not a concern as he likes to come from off the pace.”

Leading trainer Justin Snaith has three in the line-up – True Master (58.5kg Craig Zackey), Master's Eye (55.5kg Grant van Niekerk) and Platinum Prince (54.5kg Richard Fourie).

“This is a tough horse and one of better ones in the race,” said Snaith of True Master. “Having Zackey up is a big help.

“Master's Eye has a handy weight of 55.5kg and with top jockey Grant van Niekerk up, could be the dark horse in the race.

This is his first run after a rest and he could easily pop up.”

Showing a preference for Platinum Prince, who will be bidding for a fifth consecutive win, Snaith added: “This is top-quality horse and with a low weight, a good draw and a top jockey aboard. He could be the one to beat.”

Candice Bass-Robinson was hopeful with one-time winner Ollivander (52.5kg MJ Byleveld).

“He has had a good prep run and if he travels well with his low weight he could run into the money.”