Snaith-trained runner looks a magnificent bet in Algoa Cup
Jack Milner
This is a big weekend in Port Elizabeth with racing both today and Sunday. Two Listed races will take place at the meetings, the first being the Racing Association Stakes over 1600m and on Sunday the R350,000 G-BETS Algoa Cup over 2000m.
The Algoa Cup is one of the oldest feature races in the Eastern Cape and this year it looks to be at the mercy of Justin Snaithtrained Magnificent Seven. This four-year-old gelding is in prolific form and has won five of his last six races. He has run seven times over 2000m for four wins, a second and third place and has won on two very different styled courses in Kenilworth and Durbanville.
That indicates he should have little problem adjusting to Fairview. He has a top jockey in the form of Richard Fourie, is drawn No 1 and has to be a banker in all bets.
Carlita runs in Race 2 and a TAB All-To-Come bet with Magnificent Seven looks the play of the day.
Looking at today’s Racing Association Stakes, although taking on mostly male opposition and stepping up in distance, Alan Greeff-trained Madame Speaker (Greg Cheyne) could be up to the task, writes Viv Greybe
This daughter of Pathfork has fine credentials as she has yet to be unplaced in her eight starts, four of which were wins.
In her only run as a three-yearold in which she was coming off a rest, and giving weight to the all-male opposition, she finished a gallant second in the Racing Association Plate for three-yearolds over 1400m.
This classy filly will step out much fitter this time, is drawn No 1 and will be in receipt of 1.5kg from the boys.
However, she will have to be on guard against Snaith-trained Frank Lloyd Wright with Fourie up. This colt, who has yet to be unplaced in his five starts, was a runner-up in the 13-strong Langerman (Listed) over 1400m at Kenilworth.
Running as a three-year-old he justified cramped odds with a decisive maiden win over 1400m at Durbanville. This colt steps out refreshed after short break and deserves the utmost respect.