The clash between Eastern Cape-trained runners and their Western Cape counterparts in feature races at Fairview is always a fascinating watch, and it appears that way again on Friday for this year’s running of the Sophomore Plate over 1400m.
Justin Snaith (Western Cape) sends down classy filly Maryah to take on a talented pair of Gavin Smith-trained runners in a field of eight.
The Querari filly was a star juvenile when under the care of Lezeanne Forbes, winning twice, including the Grade 2 Debutante Stakes.
With Forbes moving overseas Maryah found her way to Snaith Racing and unfortunately for her followers was unplaced in both her starts at Kenilworth.
This is a recovery mission for her.
Smith-trained Safari Blue on the other hand has been improving nicely lately and is coming off a wide-margin win at short odds on the Polytrack.
This What A Winter gelding has won twice over the course and distance and jockey Marco van Rensburg does seem to get the best out of him.
Stable companion Peace In Our Land is also on a recovery mission and a break and the gelding operation could bring about that change.
His career was started off in some style with good wins in two of his first three starts, including one over this course and distance, beating Whatever Next.
That form is solid so his connections must have been extremely disappointed with his last two performances.
This winner of this race does look very likely to come out of these three runners.
Another good race to watch is Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes for Fillies and Mare over 1200m.
There are some decent sprinters contesting the race.
Fly My Flag fought on gamely to beat some talented rivals which included Global Drummer over this course and distance in October. She returns from a break, but that front-running style of racing does suit her and she will at least make them come and fetch her.
There are also some over speedy runners so it could set up for the late finishers.
Sound Check could be the right one.
The Eastern Cape Champion two-year-old filly has been impressive on the Polytrack of late and has won her fair share of races on the turf as well.
The in-form Smith yard have consistent Joyful Noise, who is also much better on the Polytrack but cannot be written off.
The Western Cape is represented by two Snaith-trained fillies and although both have winning chances, preference is for Green Light Gal over Aye Aye.
Preview by Clive Robinson
