Favourite. Karis Teetan rides Scented Ash
The R75 000 Oaks Plate heads a mouthwatering eight race programme at Fairview on Friday. The PE faithful face some tough choices in a field of fifteen 3yo fillies that could well produce an upset.
Most punters have a formula or system that works for them, sometime! Whether it is backing a winning horse until it loses, sticking with Strydom or siding with Snaith, a lucky number or three may even come in handy in a feature puzzle that induces head scratching.
The highest rated filly in the 1800m feature is the smart Cheveley Stud bred daughter of Ashaawes, Scented Ash. A winner of her last two races, including a decisive win in the Breeders Guineas over the Fairview mile at her last start, she has the backing of the power combo of jockey Karis Teetan and top lady trainer, Yvette Bremner.
While this race is over 200m further, she had all of Deepo, Hazel Jay, Valor Red, Sylvan Spirit, Dreamwalker and Majestic Beauty behind her in the Guineas. In theory she should beat them again.
Valor Red. Outside hope for Snaith
Cape trainer Justin Snaith has enjoyed a terrific run this season in the Eastern Cape features, and Muzi Yeni rides Western Winter filly, Valor Red, for him.
The R550 000 purchase has not finished far back in her five runs since shedding her maiden in the wet at Kenilworth in August, and tries this trip for the first time.
Jockey Piere Strydom is leading the championship table by some 20 wins and he often sweeps the boards when travelling back to his hometown for a profitable weekend catching up with the family.
He partners the consistent Silvan Spirit for Alan Greeff and this lovely looker finished well for a close up third in the Breeders Guineas. While her dam was a sprinter, she looks likely to enjoy the test and with Striker settling her from a 4 draw, she should go very close.
Strike Master! Piere Strydom rides the possible PA banker
Silvan Spirit is coupled in Pick Six exotics with four other runners, including the daughter of Dynasty, Bethpage, who has run two fair races since winning her maiden over the Arlington 2000m.
Gavin Smith fields three runners, the best of which could be the Go Deputy filly Go Googol, who has attracted betting support at her recent outings. Paul Barret’s filly ran a poor race last time, when failing to spark and finishing 13,70 lengths behind the hardknocking Camden Borough in a lowly rated handicap. She carries only 50kgs here, courtesy of her claimer.
Corne Spies’ Hazel Jay has won twice in sixteen starts, and is a fit filly. She has not drawn well at 13, but has the benefit of one of the best young apprentices with a 2,5kg claim in Luyola Mxothwa. She could be the classic lurker, if all else fails!
Go as wide as possible in this race, and consider Silvan Spirit a possible PA banker.
The Place Accumulator kicks off in the second race at 13h25, and punters will be looking for cash reserves ahead of the Pick Six carryovers scheduled for Greyville on Saturday and Kenilworth on Sunday.
