There looks to be very little standing in the way of 2014/15 PE Polytrack Horse Of The Year Gogetthesheriff grabbing the honours in today’s R100 000 East Cape Poly Challenge 1600. The son of Go Deputy looks set to write himself into the East Cape record books and local racing folklore as one of the much loved four-legged heroes of the turf of recent times.
Gogetthesheriff – set for a big payday
We all know that punters are fickle beasts on the best of days and that it would take just over a minute and a half on Friday afternoon to take the hero to zero – but the fellow that won the first two legs with such authority looks very tough to beat – and his trainer hints at that – read more here.
The merit rated band conditions of each race of the series has always made Gogethesheriff hard to beat at the weights, despite him having to carry 62kg on each occasion. That is because the upper band includes horses merit rated 100 and upward – and he is rated 108.
Enough has been written about the Sheriff, so let’s try and find something to run second.
Justin Snaith saddles a coupling headed by the high-class Jet Explorer, who has earned his 100 MR on the turf and looks to have lots to prove on this platform.
The son of Jet Master won his last start in the region on turf very fluently and on best performances, has the ability.
Jet Explorer – classy sort
Like the race favourite, he has his own dramatic tale after after doing a nosedive in the 2014 Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge at Clairwood. He clipped heels and crashed face-first into the turf, breaking his jaw in four places and his nose in four places.
It is a miracle that he survived, never mind that he lived to race another day!
Justin Snaith – nice coupling
Snaith sends out another Jet Master in the 5yo Masterly, who has solid top form on this surface.
While he has been rested 14 weeks since a poor run on Met day in the Urban Honey stayers, he has the ability to run into the money at best.
Jacques Strydom’s Dad Hekkie saddles the 7yo Russian Mig and what a dramatic moment it would be, were he to upstage his son!
The son of Qui Danzig has 86th run on Friday and has lost little enthusiasm for the game – always run an honest race. He does look held by the favourite though.
The 3yo Cruzcampo got within a length of Gogetthesheriff in the second leg of the challenge but should be held again – even if he did run a fair race at his only try on the track and trip.
Alan Greeff – saddles Ochoncar
Alan Greeff trained Ochoncar is a course-and-distance winner at his penultimate start but was beaten 2,20 lengths in the second leg.
From the best of the draw, top jockey Andrew Fortune will no doubt have a plan to upstage the fancied runner.
Dorrie Sham saddles the King Of Indians – Zoo Biscuit coupling.
Both geldings are competitive hardknockers when they come racing but would need a few lengths improvement to hold the Strydom star.
Chili Chocolate is the only filly in the line-up.
She looks a better bet in her own company and while fit and capable, looks outgunned against the better males.
Gavin Smith saddles the once very promising 2yo Shine Like A Star, who has failed to produce the goods – as evidenced by his modest 60 MR.
He is in under sufferance and looks to have very little chance of challenging for honours.
Jacques Strydom – big day
Jacques Strydom and owner Freddy Van Onselen’s dream of buying an Algoa Cup winner could deliver a big payday on Friday.
The long striding chestnut should land Van Onselen the R250 000 bonus from WSB and the media coverage that goes with the perks of being a top horse.
On the Friday evening after racing, Fairview will host a cocktail party and a charity auction with live music. This event is bound to be keenly supported by the local racing fraternity.
The runners for Sunday’s Gr3 East Cape Derby will also be auctioned for charity on the evening.
Well known PE muso Claire Venn will be providing the musical entertainment.
