Eastern Cape racing in South Africa has a proud history and has seen some sensational horsemen and in recent times include world class rider Piere Strydom. But the ongoing battle between two yards that of the Greeff and Smith name plates, now in its second generation, is legendary.
For the last few seasons trainer Gavin Smith has been doing great things but to be fair he has had strength in numbers and moreso quality individuals, however trainer Alan Greeff is now in hot form and his trend is set to continue this Friday.
In Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate, Greeff sends out Summer Odyssey, who looks ready to win. The filly was second to First Origin who is incidentally Smith’s star two-year-old. The latter took part in this year’s exciting City Of Cape Town Summer Juvenile Stakes but didn’t enjoy the race. Summer Odyssey was admittedly a bit disappointing second time out when third behind another Smith speedster Hildelita, but she gives the impression that she wants a bit more ground.
She is by Master Of My Fate after all and must surely appreciate the 1000 metres she now traverses. Gavin Smith could again be the one to watch out for as his comment on his unraced runner Global Banker is ‘Will run well if not too green’.
Greeff will be hopeful on an early double as his runner in Race 2, (a 1000 metres Maiden Plate for fillies and mares), Afrodite should be too strong for the field she meets.
There are no standout local runners in the 12-runner field and Afrodite looks to have an easy task on local debut. Her West Cape form is decent but is arguably not her true form as in suffering a pulmonary haemorrhage showed that why she could have been underperforming in all her previous starts.
She is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Vardy as well as half sister to Grade 3 winner Universal but being by Querari she is starting to look like that needs short distances.
While Travel Master is experimenting over 1400 metres for Greeff and is probably more an optimistic entry in Race 4, Greeff is looking to dominate the next heat with Belle Of Belize and Phoenix. The former is crying out for the 1400 metres on the turf, but the latter is 6kg better with her for 2,25 lengths beating and she also looks to have the measure of the rest of the field. Professionals will go heavy on the swinger bet here.
Heathcliff has run promising races on the poly. He may have a worrisome draw in Race 8, but he could relish the switch to turf and appears to be on the up. He could still get the job done for a yard that looks set to have a terrific day.
Clive Robinson
