Former champion jockey Warren Kennedy and leading Eastern Cape trainer Gavin Smith are likely to give their followers plenty of reason to cheer on the eight-race Polytrack card at Fairview on Tuesday.
Kennedy has partnered Trumps Express on three occasions for two seconds and a fourth but should get it right aboard Smith’s charge in Race 2 over 1200m.
This Duke Of Marmalade gelding has become costly to follow since relocating from Garth Puller’s KwaZulu-Natal base but looks well placed to shed his maiden tag in a shallow line-up.
Stablemate Jaspero has finished a close-up fourth in his last two starts on the all-weather surface, both over 1600m, and need only overcome No 17 draw to be rewarded for his consistency with a third career win in Race 5 over the same distance.
It is probably worth noting that both of Jaspero’s previous successes have come over the same track and trip.
Smith-trained filly Princess Of Winter also returns to the scene of her only victory in Race 8 and can be backed to double her tally over 1200m.
Since opening her account over the course and distance four starts back, Smith’s daughter of What A Winter has finished three consecutive thirds over 1000m – twice on the turf before her last start on the Polytrack.
Kennedy has ridden Princess Of Winter in nine of her last 10 outings, including her last three starts, so knows the filly well and will be confident of winning from draw No 2.
Clive Robinson
