Aldo to recoup losses

Alan Greeff-trained Aldo was a beaten hot favourite last time when attempting his fourth successive win, but has a bright chance to recover losses at the Fairview Turf track today where he teams up with Greg Cheyne and takes on six rivals in Race 3 and top-rated event, a MR 85 Handicap over 1200m.

This three-year-old was not disgraced in defeat as he ran on strongly to finish a 0.85-length third over 1200m. His five runs to date were on the Polytrack, but the switch to grass should not be a concern. The gelding proved too good for his opposition in completing the hat-trick and gave every indication he would be equally effective on grass.

But expect a bold bid from Yvette Bremner-trained Le Grand Rouge with champion Lyle Hewitson up.

African Victory (Chase Maujean) out of Tara Laing’s yard must be respected and Bremner sends out another useful sort in threetime winner Valentinik (Ryan Munger). This frontrunner was a gutsy winner over 1300m in his penultimate outing with Munger up. This four-year-old returns refreshed after a two-month break and could make his presence felt.

The Laing stable looks poised to strike with Shallcross (Maujean) in Race 1, a Maiden Plate over 2400m. Go with three-year-old Bold Call (Muzi Yeni) in Race 2, and the powerful trainer-jockey combination of Alan Greeff and Greg Cheyne should claim top honours with Madame Speaker who contests a Guineas Plate for three-year-olds over 1600m.

Though carrying top-weight and clashing with an all-male opposition, this four-time winning filly should be up to the task. Her main rivals are Open Fire, The Highway Man, and In A Perfect World.