It is back to the grass after some recent Polytrack meetings at Fairview on 1 September, and it looks an interesting card.
The lovable grey Golden Grey can complete a hat-trick by taking out Race 6, a MR 68 Handicap over 1600m. The five-year-old gelding took a long time to get out of the maiden ranks but followed up his narrow maiden win with a handicap success. It was clear last time out that Golden Grey has grown in confidence, and he only carries a 4-point (2kg) penalty for that victory.
His maiden win came over 1600m on the Polytrack, while his next success was on the Fairview turf over 1400m, so this course and distance hold no fears for him. Interestingly, both those wins came when current rider Richard Fourie was not aboard.
The six-year-old Imaginable joined the Gavin Smith yard as a three-time winner from 25 starts but has won both his races for the stable. He thrashed Silvery Surfer by three lengths over 1200m at Fairview when returning from a lengthy break and was just as impressive when following up over 1200m on the Polytrack nearly a month later.
The handicapper has handed him an eight-point penalty for the second win, having already raised him six points for his earlier success. That will make life tougher, but from a good draw he should still run well in Race 4, a MR 96 Handicap over 1400m.
Later on the card in Race 7, a MR 66 Handicap over 1200m, two promising three-year-olds clash. Buffalo Bill is improving with each start and was flying at the finish when narrowly beaten last time out. Taking him on, however, is the Erik The Red filly North Star, who was an impressive debut winner when well supported.
Clive Robinson
