Luna Child the play
FAIRVIEW’S 1 600m course record of 94.58 seconds, set by Mel’s Secret in 2001, seems safe for another year.
Tomorrow’s Breeders Guineas over 1 600m with prize money of R150 000 gives 10 runners the opportunity to put their names in the record books, but it will take a huge effort for any of them to supplant Mel’s Secret’s name.
The Glen Kotzen-trained Luna Child, a strong favourite to win the race, covered the distance in 98.09 seconds in her last run.
Another favourite, Merysagos, from the Justin Snaith yard, came reasonably close in her last Port Elizabeth start when she clocked a fine 95.19 seconds.
Another Kotzen runner, Star Evolution, a specialist over 1 600m, has a best time of 101.78 seconds.
Luna Child was much improved with blinkers in her last start when she defeated Bridal Party over 1 600m with Greg Cheyne in the saddle.
Craig Zackey will take over the riding duties tomorrow. Luna Child is now a threetime winner from nine starts.
Merysagos was full of running when she won her latest over this course and distance and has a strong chance with Grant van Niekerk in the irons again.
The daughter of Captain Al is a two-time winner from nine outings.
Star Evolution is a consistent sort, although she has only won once.
She comes to Port Elizabeth with a win and three seconds in her last four starts, suggesting that she and jockey Callan Murray could be a big danger.
Widow’s Lamp could be Port Elizabeth’s biggest local hope.
The Yvette Bremnertrained daughter of Go Deputy won three races in a row with Lyle Hewitson up.
Hewitson on Tuesday set a new South African apprentice record when he bettered Gavin Lerena’s tally of 284 wins.
Hewitson can carry right on winning and set a record that should stand for many years.
Other runners to watch include Queen Forever, Cloud Atlas and What A Player.
All three have the ability to win on the day.
In the final analysis, the vote goes to Luna Child to lead Merysagos, Star Evolution and Widow’s Lamp home.
The meeting gets under way at 12.35pm with a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1 200m.
Tune The Scope should have very little difficulty in winning the race, with Cheyne up for the Alan Greeff yard.
After two excellent seconds he looks ready to break the ice.