The third and final leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Poly Challenge over 1600m takes place at TAB Fairview this Friday. Although only seven runners have been declared, it promises to be a cracking contest.
Last year, Alan Greeff-trained Mercantour won all three legs of the series, and he struck again in the second leg over 1400m last time out. Rival trainer Dean Smith captured the opening leg with his crack sprinter Cruise Control.
Mercantour has clearly taken to the Polytrack, with his record now reading eight wins from 11 starts on the surface, along with two second-place finishes and a third. He has also won his only other start over this course and distance.
Jockey Richard Fourie knows exactly how to get the best out of the Var gelding, having partnered him to three victories in five rides. Significantly, both defeats came on the turf.
Backing Mercantour is rarely a straightforward exercise, as his victories are often narrow and hard fought. His easiest win came by just 1.25 lengths, and that pattern continued last time when he beat All Systems Go by 0.25 lengths.
That was All Systems Go’s first defeat on the Polytrack, and from the tricky No 7, jockey Craig Zackey may have to adopt front-running tactics or settle in second behind stable companion Silvonian, who is a strong front-runner.
Silvonian steps up in class but has won two of his last four starts, including one over this course and distance. Greeff is also unlikely to rely solely on Mercantour, dependable as he is, with Fairy Knight and Guy Gibson capable of making their presence felt on their day.
Fairy Knight has not been at his best recently but should appreciate the return to this distance and could earn a share of the prize money. Guy Gibson looked dangerous last time out and finished just 1.85 lengths behind Mercantour.
Another runner returning for another crack is the Cliffie Miller-trained Ingqwele, who exceeded expectations last time. He finished ahead of Guy Gibson and just 1.75 lengths behind Mercantour. This distance should also suit him better.
Trainers at TAB Fairview often seem to take turns enjoying successful days, and Miller is due a good one. Friday could be his opportunity, with Bai Yula capable of going close in the opening race and Capranica, who has experience on the Polytrack, a contender for a place in Race 3.
Stable companions Kwagga Blitz in Race 6 and Silvano’s Song are also capable of winning.
Clive Robinson
