Arise Sir Frenchie
SIR Frenchie stands out as an exotic banker when he contests the Ibhayi Stakes over 1 400m at Fairview tomorrow.
The Ibhayi Stakes is Race 7 on the card and has prize money of R150 000.
Although it is disappointing that the main event of the day attracted only seven runners, there is still enough fire-power to ensure a thrilling finish. The Justin Snaithtrained Sir Frenchie is a three-time winner from 14 starts and will have Grant van Niekerk in the saddle.
The Braam van Huyssteen and William Henderson-owned son of Choisir has run some good races over this distance and might be a cut above his rivals here.
Sir Frenchie is hard to oppose if he is at his best, but last weekend’s meeting clearly showed that the days are gone when Western Cape horses can just turn up and expect to walk away with the winning trophy.
So, the Snaith horse can expect tough local opposition.
Alan Greeff’s Kimberley Star could prove to be a handful with Greg Cheyne up and the same can be said of Sacred Oration with Louie Mxothwa in the irons.
Kimberley Star has won two of his eight races, while Sacred Oration is a four-time winner from 10 outings.
The remaining runners all have a money chance.
Copper Trail can never be underestimated, especially with Lyle Hewitson up. He is a three-time winner from 12 starts.
Paper Town, who will have Muzi Yeni in the saddle for the Gavin Smith stable, is another decent sort that can make his presence felt.
Good runs can also be expected of Desert Chief and Icarus Flight, who was an impressive winner in his last race early last month.
Candice Bass-Robinson-trained River Cam looks like a possible banker in Race 5, but there are plenty of potholes in the form of All The Bids, Western Wu, The Cat and Warrior Poet.
The Pick starts off with a R200 000 carryover, with an estimated pool of R900 000.
The first race is off at 12.35pm with a Maiden Juvenile Plate for two-year-olds over 1000m.