The East Cape Nursery (Listed) over 1200m takes centre stage at Fairview on Friday and it looks to be a good race, albeit with a small field.
Trainer Dean Smith has had his fair share of juvenile winners this season, but it does appear that Master Mtoto is the best of his juveniles. This Real Gone Kid colt was a narrow winner on debut and did look a lucky victor that day under Craig Zackey, as three runners went to the post together and only the photo showed that Master Mtoto had prevailed.
Interestingly, the second runner home that day, Fyfield Legend, has yet to win a race. Only a head back and looking an unlucky loser, was Alan Greeff-trained and Richard Fourie-ridden US Ranger. The Act Of War colt was quick to make amends for that defeat when a comfortable winner second time out by 1.25 lengths, with another runner in this race, Just Carter, back in third.
Master Mtoto and US Ranger were to meet again in the preparation race for this event. US Ranger was expected to overturn his earlier defeat and attracted all the betting support on the day, but it was not to be. Master Mtoto beat him again and did so impressively.
So the score stands at 2–0 to Master Mtoto, but do not be surprised if US Ranger can pull one back on Friday.
They also could have another danger in the race. Trainer Kelly Mitchley was expecting a good run from Into Red Space on debut, but even she must have been impressed with his victory. The Erik The Red colt was quick to gain a lead, and although Olaf The Stout threatened to challenge him during the race, he never got close.
Into Red Space won by 2.25 lengths.
Olaf The Stout bounced back from that defeat to win by more than eight lengths last Friday.
It is worth noting the Greeff–Fourie combination had a good meeting last Friday with four winners, so one can expect more of the same at this meeting. It is never easy to pick which of their many runners look best on the day, so we may have to settle with bets on Dupont Emerald and Kleinzee.
Greeff excels in getting runners from other yards to shine at this centre and both are in good form. Dupont Emerald is threatening to win a race, and although Race 7 is a tough MR 80 Handicap over 1400m, it is the first time Fourie rides her and that could make all the difference.
Kleinzee also takes on the boys in Race 8, a Classified Stakes over 1600m, but there was a lot to like about her local debut victory on the Polytrack when quickening up nicely and getting up late. She could get the run of the race jumping from pole position.
Clive Robinson
