Last races of the year on fast Polytrack

IT is that time of the year when a few side bets come into play at the Fairview race track.

Today’s nine-race meeting on Port Elizabeth’s Polytrack is the last for the year in the province.

One of those annual popular bets that you will not find on the tote is which trainer will saddle the last winner for the year at Fairview.

Well, the last race of any Fairview meeting is usually a bit of a nightmare – but champion trainer Alan Greeff, Duncan McKenzie and Gavin Smith could fight it out for that honour, with Jacques Strydom also in with a shout.

There is no feature race, but punters can look forward to some very competitive and exciting racing – as was the case last Friday.

The Poly is running very fast and jockeys who are not wide awake will be left behind.

Last week, we were on target with the Place Accumulator – 16 times – on a difficult card, and again there is no banker that stands out.

Let’s hope we can finish the Eastern Cape season in style by catching the PA and that elusive Pick Six.

Kimberley trainers Stef Miller and Gert Theron are getting involved with some runners at Fairview – like last week – and it is always good to see the interest from stables from outside the province.

This will also be the case on Wednesday, when Fairview hosts its first meeting of the new year.

Cape Town trainers Justin Snaith and Glen Kotzen will have runners in the Lady’s Bracelet.

The unfamiliar Wednesday slot for Port Elizabeth racing came about with Cape Town requesting a two-day festival, with racing at Kenilworth on Friday and Saturday next week. On the Saturday, January 6, the Queen’s Plate will be the highlight.

What is not a highlight is the way the racing season will start the year on Monday at Durbanville.

The fields for every race are very small – and it will be no surprise if racing fans look elsewhere for their New Year celebrations.

The South African racing authorities should have asked Fairview to help them out, as we have seen some fair crowds – and tremendous racing in the Friendly City during the holiday season.

Punters’ Pal tips for Fairview: