Take a punt on Snaith and Zackey

Jack Milner

The Walmer Handicap (Non-Black Type) over 1800m on the Polytrack at Fairview today will prove a real tester for bettors.

Fillies Handicaps are tough enough at the best of times but this one looks particularly tricky. However, when in doubt go with the tried-and-trusted combinations and in this case it could be trainer Justin Snaith and jockey Craig Zackey.

It is rare for Snaith to only have one runner in a race of this nature so that alone could be a pointer to Katies Jay who will be having her first outing in the Eastern Cape and on the Polytrack.

She is only a three-time winner from 23 starts but this five-year-old daughter of Jay Peg has raced against a lot stronger in Cape Town. As long as she takes to Polytrack Katies Jay has to rate a strong contender.

She has only had one race over the distance which she won and is drawn well enough at No 6 although there are only eight runners.

Sanctuary is from the dominant Alan Greeff yard and while she would probably prefer further a return to the Polytrack will suit her. She ran a shocker last time but that was on the turf.

Gavin Smith saddles four runners and the pick of the quartet looks to be top weight Crackpot. This six-yearold is a seven-time winner and has been ultra-consistent in her last few starts, finishing third in stronger company on the previous three occasions. Jockey JP van der Merwe appears to be the first-choice rider for the Smith yard and has chosen Crackpot above Valediction, Tricia Dupont and Conquering Queen which could be significant. Another to consider is Christmas Carol from the Dorrie Sham yard. She has only had one race in Port Elizabeth and that was not on the Polytrack. However, she has a light weight and must be in with a shout.