Eastern Cape Champion Trainer Gavin has had a slowish start to the season but that could pick up on Friday as he has numerous winning chances on the Fairview card.
And his pair of runners in the feature race of the day, the Betway Insurebet Speedster Stakes (Non-Black Type) over 1000m on the turf track, Stranger Danger and Slim Jannie, both hold hopes.
Smith has done a fine job with Slim Jannie so far, having won three times in just five starts since joining the stable in April this year.
Slim Jannie has been very effective over the minimum trip of 1000m, and he has the pace to sit just behind the leaders and the ability to pick them off 200m from home.
Jockey S’manga Khumalo has been aboard Slim Jannie in all five of his Fairview appearances.
Stranger Danger has not been at his best since returning from a break but has a very good record over the course and distance and is capable of winning.
There was only 0.25 lengths between Teatro and Slim Jannie on the two occasions they met and the Alan Greeff-trained runner is clearly the biggest threat to Slim Jannie.
Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson has been in good form of late and sends Hammie’s Hero from the Western Cape for this race.
This gelding has ability but does tend to give a lot of start and is difficult horse on which to win but he is not out of it.
Smith has a decent hand with some other races on the card.
Great Melody has been in the form of his life and was an impressive winner last time out so it is not a surprise to see him back again over the same course and distance and with Khumalo aboard again.
Stable companion First Origin has been a disappointment recently but was only 2.65 lengths behind Great Melody that day and is 2.5kg better off so should at least get closer this time.
Smith could also take out an open-looking Race 6 as he has a number of runners.
There was not much between Komesans Passion and Errols Legacy when they met last week, and both showed they are improving and like racing on the turf.
It would not come as a surprise were they to fight out the finish.
Stable companion Successful Lady has only had the three runs so is capable of vast improvement and was a winner the only time she raced on the grass.
Greeff sends out his rising star, Lunar Halo, earlier in the day and she looks hard to oppose.
Lunar Halo has been getting better with each run and was an impressive winner on the Polytrack last time out.
She has only lost once in five starts and that was when she made the trip to Cape Town.
Both Lunar Halo’s wins on the turf were impressive and jockey Richard Fourie is unbeaten aboard her.
Clive Robinson
