‘Dynasty’ set for Derby win

BRETT Crawford-trained Arabian Dynasty must have a strong chance to win the R350 000 World Sports Betting East Cape Derby over 2 400m at Fairview on Saturday.

Arabian Dynasty, who will have Greg Cheyne in the irons, tries the trip for the first time. He has already won over 1 800m and the extra distance could suit him.

Sabre Charge, Dorset Noble, Strathdon and Off The Bit are all strong contenders.

KwaZulu-Natal trainer Duncan Howells makes a very rare visit to the Friendly City and therefore Sabre Charge is worth considering. He is a two-time winner from eight starts and will have Keagan de Melo in the irons.

Dorset Noble from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard is a bright prospect with a win and two seconds from three outings. He has already won over 2500m at Kenilworth so he will have no issue with the distance. Aldo Domeyer takes the ride for the second time.

Justin Snaith’s charge, Strathdon, was a convincing winner of his last start when he defeated En Gee Oh by two lengths. He could follow up with Corné Orffer aboard.

PE golden boy Piére Strydom rides Off The Bit for the crack Alan Greeff yard. Off The Bit is one of three horses from the Greeff yard. Greeff also saddles Gimme Now and Another Night.

Off The Bit has decent form, but will have to prove himself over the 2 400m trip.

Story of My Life and Give It Away are the dark horses.

It is, however, disappointing that only runners will face the starter. The reason could be that the race has been downgraded from a Grade 3 to a listed event.

In the final analysis Arabian Dynasty gets the vote with off The Bitt, Dorset Noble and Starthdon to follow him home.

This is a double header of meetings in Port Elizabeth and tomorrow all eyes will be on the World Sports Betting East Cape Poly Challenge over 1600m. Razed In Black (Lyle Hewitson) comes back from a rest, but could be good value at 14-1.

However, Sir Duke will not go down without a fight as he chases a 12th career victory from 34 starts.

While no horse will collect the R250 000 bonus for winning all three legs of the Poly Challenge, Sir Duke, winner of the second leg over 1 400m, is in line for the R50 000 bonus for the best performing runner in all three legs of the event.

Stormy Eclipse, Scent and Our Icon are the other contenders.