It’s starter’s orders for big PE race weekend

IT is the big weekend in Port Elizabeth that horse racing fans have been waiting for and there are lots of opportunities for punters.

There are eight races at Fairview today and on Sunday there are nine, including the big one, the Betting World Algoa Cup.

Large fields, huge pools and plenty of quality will make sure that every fan will be more than happy about what is on offer.

This is the weekend when Fairview will be the place to be even if you are not a racing fan.

Along with the racing there will be entertainment for the whole family throughout the weekend, but especially on Sunday.

If you cannot get to Fairview, support your local tote because there will also be some special promotions going.

The main race today is the Racing Association Stakes, a race that has been won by three-year-olds that went on to become huge stars, including Bold Silvano, Big City Life and Paris Perfect.

Hopefully we will witness another star kick-starting his career with a victory today. Port Elizabeth hopes will be on Green Lantern, trained by Eastern Cape champion Alan Greeff, to get the better of visitors like Cock-A-Hoop, Travel Light and Gold Standard.

It is a more than huge weekend for Greeff as residents will look to his stable to show the visitors a thing or two today and Sunday, but he is also involved in the main race in Cape Town tomorrow.

Greeff will be at Kenilworth with Eastern Cape champion O Tamara to take on some very strong opposition in the Championship race for three-year-old fillies.

If O Tamara gives a good showing she will no doubt tackle the Cape Fillies Guineas in December.

In the Algoa Cup, the Greeff yard will have many supporters when Welsh Emperor will be taking his place in the lineup.

The East Cape trainers have been working very hard to win the Cup for the first time since 2009.

Greeff is one of five Port Elizabeth trainers who will saddle seven of the 15 horses among them.

Punters’ Pal tips:

Fairview: PA R 432 1-5-14/7-8/1-3-5/1/1-2/1-5-7-8/2-3-12 PICK 6 R 1 440 7-8-14/1-3-5-6-8/1/1-2-3-4/1-3-4-5-7-8/2-3-6-12