Local hope Shine Like A Star faces an uphill battle
The R150 000 Listed Racing Association Stakes for 3yo’s to be run over a mile heads the PE Festival of Racing eight-race programme today. Three smart Cape challengers add needle to a fascinating contest and punters will be pleased to see racing returning to the turf after an extended run on the polytrack.
This race once gained a reputation as a pointer to both the country’s premier race, the Vodacom Durban July and to the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup.
The honour roll includes Dubai World Cup third-placed Paris Perfect, Vodacom Durban July winners Big City Life and Bold Silvano as well as July runner up Run For It, while Dubai World Cup runner up Lizard’s Desire finished second in Big City Life’s winning year.
Kotzen again holds a trumpcard with the Western Winter colt Light The Lights looking slung in in on the handicap off a handy galloping weight of 52kgs.
His proximity to the likes of Mljet and KZN champion 2yo colt Harry’s Son in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes must make him a huge runner in the eight horse field.
Vaughan Marshall – raids with Shinning Day
He takes on Vaughan Marshall’s twice winning Shinning Day, a son of Antonius Pius, who has to give him 2kgs.
Local hope Pacyano carries topweight and is 2kgs worse off with the Snaith hope Arniston, who should enjoy the reversion to a mile.
Gavin Smith saddles four runners, the best of which should be the inconsistent Shine Like A Star, who ran a cracker in the KZN Yearling Sale Million at his penultimate start.
The Festival Of Racing takes place over Friday and Sunday and has become an increasingly popular event on the Port Elizabeth social calendar and will have an added attraction this year as it is being staged in unison with a whisky and cigar festival.
The positioning of the Whisky and Cigar Festival at the Races, hosted by Cubana Latino Café and 360° View Media, will enhance the vibe as it will ensure the patronage of a diverse band of middle class adults, from the young to the young at heart.
The on course Whisky Festival will showcase top local and international whiskies and will include tasting of selected whiskies such as Glenfiddich, Chivas, Jameson Select, Glenmorangie, Gentleman Jack, J&B Jet, Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, Bains, and Three Ships.
This lifestyle event will also include a mini fashion show, courtesy of Delbro Premium, a display of premier sports cars and an appreciation of a selection of Cuban Cigars. Whisky tasting will be conducted in five separate lounges hosted by the respective whisky companies Brandhouse, Distell, Edward Snell, Pernod Ricard and RGBC.
The tasting starts at 12:00 pm and ends at 17:30 pm.
Later, Crazy White Boy alongside Metro FM DJ’s Paul Mtirara and Ismail Abrahams will be live on the decks at the after party at 18:00 pm. Limited tickets are available for the Whisky and Cigar Festival at Computickets at R150 per person.
The Racing Festival will consist of the East Cape Horse Care Unit Charity raceday today and the Gr 3 Algoa Cup raceday on Sunday.
There will be a charity auction on Friday as well as an RA cocktail party after the races.
On Sunday there will be a kiddie’s play area, food stalls and picnic spots will be available.
Gates will open at 11:00 on each day and booking is essential for those who wish to lunch in the HB Christian Room on either of the days. A table can be reserved by calling 041 372 1859.
With large fields the order of the day, the exotics should enjoy plenty of support.
The Bipot kicks off in race 1 at 13h10.
