There’s value in Wisdom
THE Fairview 1800, the main event on the Eastern Cape Polytrack tomorrow, is wide open with all 11 runners having a winning chance.
Yvette Bremner-trained Gimme The Stars won his last race in style after a strong late run over 1 600m, with Ryan Munger in the saddle.
This time, fit-again champion jockey Lyle Hewitson is back on board and the fiveyear-old will again be a serious contender.
Chatuchak, from the Andre Nel yard, comes to Port Elizabeth with good Western Cape form and will be fancied by many to notch up a third career win for owner Sabina Plattner.
The son of Tiger Ridge comes in 6kg better off than in his previous outing, when he was fifth behind William The Brave at Kenilworth
The dark horse in the race is Jacques Strydom’s Desert Wisdom, who ran a cracker last time over a distance far short of his best.
His second place behind Gimme The Stars over 1 600m was a much-improved performance and, on that run, he warrants respect – with early odds of 10-1 offering very good value. Kendall Minnie retains the ride.
It’s also worth considering 14-1 shot Golden Shamrock, who impressed with a fine run behind Mangrove in his last start, finishing just 1,45 lengths behind the winner. Mangrove has since posted four wins in a row.
Allocated just 52.5kg, Golden Shamrock carries 7.5kg less than he did in that race – and is course and distancesuited. Muzi Yeni takes the ride.
Western Wu, from the Alan Greeff yard, is always hard to beat and tomorrow should be no exception.
The son of Dynasty is an eight-time winner from 44 outings and will have Charles Ndlovu in the irons.
Another runner likely to attract strong support is the Sharon Kotzen’s charge Querari Viking, who was a comfortable winner of his debut PE run. A fortnight ago, he defeated Free Agent by 1,75 lengths over 1 600m and can complete a double for his new stable with 54kg on the back.
It Is Written, with Chase Maujean in the saddle for trainer Tara Laing, is improving steadily and could easily be in the shake-up.
But Desert Wisdom is picked for an upset result, with Chatuchak, Gimme The Stars and Querari Viking next best.
The eight-race card gets underway at 12:35 with a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1 200m.
This opener is an extremely difficult race to call, but punters are advised to watch out for reserve runner Countess Cantabria – now that Ruby Joy is scratched.