Wet weather a challenge at Fairview
THE wet conditions make it even more difficult for punters to get it right at the Fairview horse racing track.
It looked like today could be one of those rare days at Fairview when the favourite horses rule, but the wet conditions and a possible switch from the grass track to the poly surface make things a lot more difficult.
The last meeting, on Friday last week, was switched to the poly track and the meeting took on a new complexion. There were a lot of scratchings – and those wide draws are an even bigger factor on the poly.
Spare a thought for the track manager, Kleintjie Badenhorst, and his team, who have to keep Fairview in top shape, whatever the conditions.
At least Fairview has the option to switch to the poly to make sure meetings are not lost, even with the much-needed hard rains.
It will be a bit of a setback if the action does move to the poly, because there should be some fine racing, with the Jockey Club Stakes and the Speedsters Stakes topping the bill.
Beat about the bush, trained by champion Alan Greeff, was the top three-year-old filly in the Eastern Cape last season.
All eyes will be on her in the Jockey Club Stakes for fillies and mares.
There is strong opposition for the Bay star, with the stable of Cape Town conditioner Justin Snaith a big threat with Nima, Qing and Harvard Crimson.
Other Bay challengers to keep an eye on will be Peach Delight and Crackpot.
Greeff also has a big runner in the Speedsters Stakes, with Vous Et Var in fine form.
Villa Del Largo looks a lively challenger, but has to carry 9.5kg more than Vous Et Var.
Vous Et Var could be a banker bet – and, in some of the other races, there are also favourites that look very hard to beat.
Seattle Spell (race 1), Smart Suzy (race 2), Gitango Tonight (race 4) and Lord Marshal (race 5) all look set for huge runs.
There will be a bit of a sombre atmosphere at the track, after the South African racing fraternity was shocked yesterday by the sudden death of KwaZulu-Natal jockey Alec Forbes.