Clive Robinson
Punters have been set a nice puzzle for the Founders Trophy (Race 7) over 1600m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday 9 December as one cannot dismiss any of the eight runners.
The class horse in the race, Global Drummer, steps up in distance on his recent runs but it is worth noting that he has won over the course and distance in the past.
The Eastern Cape Champion is currently on a streak of four races without tasting success, but was very narrowly beaten in his last two starts on this surface.
Two starts back, the Alan Greeff-trained Inherit The Rain ran past him late and beat him by a neck.
The Global Drummer of old would surely have fought off this challenge when leading going into the last 400m, but he was pipped at the post.
Last time out he was the one doing the chasing, when coming back strongly at Greenlighttoheaven, only to see Bold Resolve come flying past him very late on.
Trainer Gavin Smith has called on jockey S’manga Khumalo to do the steering this time round and “bling” will bring out the best in him, having scored already in his only outing aboard Global Drummer.
Mount Anderson won on local debut but has not been as good in his two starts since.
He may have excuses for both runs though.
The 2000m of his penultimate run may have been a bit too far, too soon after his victory over 1800m and the 1400m of his last start was clearly a distance short of his best.
The 1600m he faces here will suit him better and he could earn more money.
Grazinginthegrass has been improving all year so his unplaced run last time out was a disappointment.
That 2000m clearly stretched his stamina and he will be much better suited to this course and distance. He is well drawn and will have Richard Fourie in the irons.
Rivals Bold Resolve and Ferrari Ice have improved all season and are both in good heart.
You Know Who has not won in a while but is coming off a decent run over this course and distance and deserves some respect.
Both Marmara Sea and Bush Tracker are likely to be at double figure odds and although they have not been at their best lately, are quite capable of running decent races if in the mood.
