Clive Robinson
Wide draws make it tough for jockeys but because they tend to come to the outside in the home straight on the Fairview Polytrack it is not as major a problem as it is on the turf.
Var filly Quick Count has been unreliable of late but when in the mood she has shown some ability and jockey Kendal Minnie knows how to get the best out of her.
She could be worth an each-way strike in Race 8, a MR 66 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m, despite having to jump from No 14 draw.
Early on the card in Race 2, Sharon Kotzen-trained filly Tracy’s Strike could go one better than she did on her local debut.
This Rafeef filly has been runner-up in three of her seven starts and if she shows her best form, she could be a bit better than the rivals who are her taking on.
Probably the most interesting race at this meeting is Race 6, a MR 78 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m.
Trainers Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff are in a battle for the title Eastern Cape Champion Trainer, and they could fight out the finish.
Go Lightly has made good progress since joining the Alan Greeff yard with three wins in just five starts since moving to the Eastern Cape.
Two of those wins were over this course-and-distance and although giving weight to all her rivals, she is a big runner.
Tamil Tiger (Smith) won nicely in her first start for the yard and ran on well when runner-up to To The Max, both over this course and distance.
Tamil Tiger will be receiving 7.5kg from her rival and she could prove better than her rating which suggests she could capsize the favourite.
There is also, however, a raider from the Western Cape, in Global Goddess who also deserves some respect.
Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson does not send down runners unless they hold a winning chance.
