Let’s Get Lucky On The Battleground Today

First due off @ 12h40

Today’s local racemeeting takes place at the Fairview Racecourse. An eight-race programme has been carded for the turf track with the first due off at 12h40.

The main event on the card is the Non-Black Type Port Elizabeth Cup run over 3200m.

Once South Africa’s longest race, the Port Elizabeth Gold Cup is the only feature of the weekend. The race has dropped in trip from the 3600m marathon of yesteryear, to the national standard maximum journey of 3200m.

Past PE Gold Cup winner Stateway seen winning the 1994 then Gr1 Gold Cup

A decision was made in 2020 by the then racing operator Phumelela to fall in line with the rest of the country and reduce the distance.

While the staying ranks are generally not the most competitive division in South African horseracing, a competitive field of eight longhaulers will do battle on the Fairview turf this afternoon at 15h35, and it should be great entertainment.

A rare visitor to the Eastern Cape, Vaal trainer Lucky Houdalakis saddles Battleground in the non black-type feature, and the long trip down from Vereeniging to the coast may prove a masterstroke for the son of Futura, who stays all day.

The 4yo stayed on when third over 1800m on the Vaal Classic course last time and ran third in the Listed TAB Gold Bowl in his penultimate start, over today’s trip. Smanga Khumalo adds the finishing touches from the saddle, and if all went smoothly with the gelding’s travels, it could be mission accomplished.

Don’t forget to take the free-to-play Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge on this racemeeting.

Trainer Alan Greeff sends out Grazinginthegrass in Race 5. He fought hard in his last start but found one too good in the form of Cherry Ano.

He has won twice, finished second once and third once from seven starts over this distance.

He is drawn wide in barrier 10, but Richard Fourie knows him well and he should give him all the necessary assistance from the saddle.

Gimme's Laddie (Craig Zackey) claimed his 2nd career-victory on 29 March beating On The Road Again (Richard Fourie) at Fairview

Gimme’s Laddie (Craig Zackey) claimed his 2nd career-victory on 29 March beating On The Road Again (Richard Fourie) at Fairview (Pic – Pauline Herman)

Gimme’s Laddie from the Gavin Smith stable may be the horse to close off the meeting.

He was slow into stride over 1200m last time but stayed on to finish fourth. It must be noted that Jewel Cat has come out and won again since.

The way he finishes off his races suggests that he will love the rise to 1400m.

He should enjoy the longer run-in on the turf and can notch up his third-career victory.

Watch the replay of race:

  • Race 3 – #6 Oliver Twist

General Information as at 12 July 07h53
Weather Overcast, 20 deg, 18km/h Westerly Head Wind
Rainfall Last 24 Hours: 2mm Last 7 Days: 12mm
Irrigation Last 24 Hours: Nil Last 7 Days: Nil
Penetrometer Reading 21
Track Condition Good
False Rail 4m off zero to the 1200m increasing to 7m around the turn decreasing to 5m at the 750m mark with a 6m spur
  • The Bipot starts in the first race at 12h40
  • The Place Accumulator starts in the second race at 13h15
  • The Pick 6 starts in the third race at 13h50
  • The first Jackpot starts in the fourth race at 14h25
  • The second Jackpot starts in the fifth race at 15h00

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