The Algoa Cup, or ‘PE July’ as it is popularly known, has fallen down the hierarchial ladder in recent years and carries a rather modest Listed status these days.
Flashback – Nebula wins the then Gr3 Algoa Cup in 2016
The visitors have dominated the race for close on a decade and SA champion trainer Justin Snaith and his colleague Andre Nel find themselves the lone away flagbearers for the 2018 renewal.
The AHS lockdown has played havoc this year with only three visitors vying for the first cheque of R218 750 in the thirteen horse line-up.
The Snaith plan is to arrive from outside the area – yesterday for the today’s meeting- and enter quarantine and then spend a further 14 days in the facility before returning home.
Magnificent Seven looks for four on the trot
“It’s a great pity as this weekend has always seen eliminations with oversubscription in years gone by,” said Jono Snaith when confirming that they would still be supporting the weekend with a raiding party.
Richard Fourie has been aboard at Magnificent Seven’s three recent victories and the progressive son of Horse Chestnut has pulled a 1 draw in his quest to make it four in a row. The winner of the recent Settlers Trophy at Durbanville, the son of Horse Chestnut should appreciate the longer Fairview straight and as a winner of 5 of his last 7 starts looks the horse with the standout credentials in the line-up.
Justin Snaith – travels with a strong duo
His stablemate Master’s Eye carries topweight and may have needed the run when failing to produce his customary effort when 8,55 lengths back in the Settlers Trophy.
Run Red travels from the Sabine Plattner Racing HQ on the Cape West Coast. The son of Twice Over was beaten 6,75 lengths by American Landing in the East Cape Derby at his last start in the Eastern Cape. The versatile 4yo is improving and stays well.
Story Of My Life is the first of the Gavin Smith coupling and while without a win for some time, this son of Soar With Eagles has been a consistent performer for 5 months.
Cape Rebel may find this on the far side.
The in form Tara Laing team are well represented with two soldiers in Stormy Eclipse and Plano. While the latter is probably the better of the pair, there can be no discounting the chances of the 7yo grey, who ran third behind Nebula last year.
Stormy Eclipse ran third last year for Tara Laing
Yvette Bremner is another trainer in good form and her pair of Laws Of Succession and Mangrove are worth including in bigger perms.
Of the balance, Querari Viking and the talented Fire In The Belly are probably most likely. Querari Viking has his first run on the turf here and could be dangerous off a handy 52kgs.
Magnificent Seven looks the scopiest and most progressive of the lot and he will be a popular choice to win it for the Snaiths.
