The Go Deputy entire Arezzo stays well and looks the business at Fairview today where he contests a 2200m Pinnacle Stakes facing some ordinary opposition. If Arezzo adapts to the new surface he should just about win this.
The industrious veteran Andrew Fortune has not recovered from his fall at Turffontein last Thursday and will not be in a position to take up his engagement on the Snaith stayer. He has been replaced by the very capable Greg Cheyne.
Read more about Fortune’s injury enforced Mauritius holiday
The 2015 Listed Settlers Trophy winner, Arezzo has won 4 races from his 20 starts up to 2400m and would have definitely needed his last jump, which came after a four month break and over a distance short of his optimum trip.
The solid stayer Arezzo could win at Fairview on Monday
The Snaiths have been firing and our one reservation – Arezzo’s adaption to the poly – seems a minor given the professionalism of a team who tend to get things right the first time, most times.
Silver Bullet
Tara Laing – trains Silver Image
What looks to be his major opponent, Tara Laing’s Silver Image also dips his hoof into poly waters for the first time.
The son of Silvano has taken ages but appears to have come good as a late 5yo over ground, winning 2 of his last 3 starts and in prime form.
He has to up his game in reality to have any chance with Arezzo, but it could come down to the unknown of which of the two adapt better to the all weather.
Oh So Modus is as game as they come and missed his proposed engagement in the Settlers Trophy at Durbanville last month due to a transport problem.
Chase Maujean – rides Oh So Modus
The son of Modus Vivendi stays well and is proven on the poly – something that could come in handy if Chase Maujean can get him into a superior position as they swing for the final run home. He runs regularly and is very fit – and it may be a blessing that he has had some time out missing his Cape raid.
Grant Paddock’s Dreamforest has won his last two on the trot and this course and distance winning son of Surging River (one of the few) could well raise his game if our top two falter.
Luyola Mxothwa knows him well and he has a positive draw position at 2.
Smith Duo
Gavin Smith has Matador In Red and the forward galloping Global Express in the field.
A former Snaith inmate, Matador In Red is a course and distance winner and is in good form – last time beating Silver Image 1,50 lengths.
He is, however, 3kgs worse off with Silver Image and that could keep the son of Red Ransom in his place when it comes to winning aspirations.
Stablemate Global Express looks likely to ensure an honest gallop but fades when it counts and cannot be fancied on his current form.
Master James – has to be better than his current form suggests
The former Dean Kannemeyer charge Master James has relocated from KZN to the Dorrie Sham yard, where he has shown little in four starts.
This well-bred 5yo was highly regarded earlier on in his career and may be yearning for this test of stamina. He is drawn against the rails and will be ridden by form jockey, Karl Zechner.
Banker
All told, if they run true to their ratings, Arezzo looks the right selection and he is the choice to beat Silver Image and Dreamforest.
We’d also suggest banker Arezzo in the Place Accumulator opener as there are more testing hurdles later in the programme.
