It is Wimbledon week in the world of tennis, and it is fitting that Sharapova has found her best form of late and looks set to win Race 8, a MR 80 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday.
For those who don’t follow tennis, Maria Sharapova was a former world No 1 and won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of just 17, famously defeating Serena Williams. The equine Sharapova, trained by Alan Greeff, has won two of her last three starts, including a victory last time out over 1200m on this surface under current jockey Kendall Minnie.
The well-bred Querari mare will need to see off stable companion Arabian Red and consistent Nemorosa.
As is often the case, Greeff has a strong hand throughout the card. Dubai Hills should go close in Race 5, a MR 82 Handicap over 1200m. Jockey Xolani Ndlovu has developed a solid partnership with the four-year-old gelding, who has won two of his last three starts and continues to improve – suggesting there may be more wins to come.
It’s also encouraging to see a feature race on the Polytrack – Race 7, the Walmer Handicap (Non-Black Type) over 1800m – and once again the finish could be dominated by Greeff-trained runners. Lotus Island narrowly edged out stablemate First Wish at this course a couple of months ago, and a similar result could unfold again.
Earlier in the day, in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1300m, American Matador, trained by Gavin Smith, could be the one to beat. He disappointed in his first start since being gelded but has had time to recover from the procedure and should bounce back to score.
By Clive Robinson
