Watch newbies at Fairview
ELEVEN newcomers to Port Elizabeth, most with winning chances, step out at tomorrow’s Fairview Polytrack meeting.
The best of them seems to be Grant Paddock-trained Border Control, who runs in Race 6 over 1 600m.
The former Brett Crawford charge comes with a record of two wins, four seconds and four third places from 20 starts – suggesting he is a decent sort.
In his last race, at Greyville, he was handy, but got bumped. He still managed to finish 2,55 lengths behind the winner, Viking Red, over tomorrow’s distance.
Border Control jumps from gate No 4 and will have Louis Mxothwa in the saddle.
Newcomers in Race 1 are Without Limits and Josie, who look set for an interesting tussle for the winner’s cheque.
Race 2, a MR 104 Handicap over 1 200m, is the main event of the day with R99,000 in prize money at stake.
Only seven runners will face the starter in a very competitive field.
Streak Of Silver, formerly of the Eric Sands yard in Cape Town, will have his first run for local trainer Alan Greeff.
As a five-time winner from 26 outings, he demands the utmost respect. His last win was 199 days ago, but punters are advised to keep a close eye on the betting.
Greeff saddles four of the seven and another of his runners, Vous Et Var, is aiming for a fourth career victory. The trouble is, this son of Var might have forgotten how to win, with his last success coming 441 days ago.
But his last race hinted at a return to his best form as he finished just 1,90 lengths behind Omega Onslaught.
Charles Ndlovu retains the ride and punters can expect improvement.
Greeff’s Seattle Flame and Gavin Smith-trained Story Of My Life should also finish in the money in this race.
Seattle Flame comes in 8kg better off than last time and rates a big chance with Greg Cheyne up.
Story Of My Life is also overdue his next win. His last was all of 588 days ago, but jockey Muzi Yeni could easily change that disheartening stat for owners Marimba Racing.
In the eighth and last race, Gotoluvher has an excellent winning chance over 1 000m.
In her debut run for trainer Tara Laing on 31 August she flew up late to finish second, 1,50 lengths behind Tokovar.
From a perfect No 3 draw, jockey Chase Maujean has everything in his favour this time.
The first race is off at 1310.