West Cape runners raid PE
SEVEN horses who have been racing in the Western Cape will run at Fairview for the first time tomorrow, indicating that local trainers will have a fight on their hands.
Two runners from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard will try the Polytrack for the first time – Twilight Trip in Race 2 and Tyrandeus in Race 3. Both will be ridden by MJ Byleveld.
Twilight Trip is a threetime winner from 10 outings and should be hard to beat. Tyrandeus is chasing his first win from seven starts and also has the form to win.
Other PE debutants are Ma Forte and Bid Before Sunset from the Justin Snaith yard, and Swift Dancer, now with Yvette Bremner from Dennis Drier’s yard. They will all be in action in Race 6.
Another Western Cape conditioner, Paul Reeves, sends out Saint Donan in Race 8 and Rebel’s Idol in Race 9.
Western Cape horses are always hard to beat in the Friendly City, but the local stars won’t give up without a fight.
Another newcomer to Port Elizabeth is Symphony Picture: GOLD CIRCLE In Seven, formerly trained by Dennis Bosch, who will make her debut for the Tara Laing stable. This three-year-old daughter of Seventh Rock is a onetime winner from 12 starts, but is very consistent and should finish in the money.
The main event of the day is the Breeders Guineas Plate for three-yearold fillies over 1 400m with R80 000 in prize money at stake.
This is an interesting race with several contenders knocking at the door.
Gavin Smith-trained Cloud Atlas is a very promising filly and should go close. She could even start the race as favourite. However, Bid Before Sunset, Burning Mist and Ma Forte all have the ability to collect the winner’s cheque.
This will be a real test for Cloud Atlas and jockey JP van der Merwe will have his work cut out.
Swift Dancer must also rate a strong chance with Lyle Hewitson up.
The nine-race card is off at 1210 with a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1 200m. Trainer Alan Greeff and jockey Greg Cheyne can get punters off to a winning start with Seattle Splendour, who was bred by Mauritzfontein (Pty) Ltd.