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Trainer Renate Du Plessis has performed pretty well since taking her trainer’s licence and her charge, the filly Garden Queen, who contests Race 2 on Fairview turf today, looks unlucky not to have won either of the two starts.
The Rebel King filly was only beaten 0.50 lengths on debut when winner Strictlycumdancin poached a big lead, and was beaten the same distance by Sacred Hills in September.
The three-year-old bled that day, which clearly must have blown her chances.
The break since September will have given her trainer the chance to strengthen her up and sort out any problems. Keeping her to the minimum trip of 1000m also looks the right way to go.
The balance of the raced runners appears to be modest fillies and only newcomers Red Velvet Lounge and The Wild Mistress look the dangers.
Alan Greeff saddles Flicker in Race 3, a Maiden Plate over 1000m, and this gelding has raced twice but failed to get the job done when having every chance to win last time out. Blinkers will now be fitted to this Fort Wood three-year-old.
However, it might pay to take an eachway punt on Orcadian Forest. The Jay Peg gelding could be at his best over this minimum trip.
The Mike Bass yard are poised to strike with Night Trip in Race 5, the Listed Memorial Mile over 1600m. His fifth place behind Captain America in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes last time out is the standout form of the race. Jockey Grant van Niekerk gets his first chance aboard the Trippi six-year-old.
Al Don Cumarco was fifth in his last start behind Brutal Force and will not be troubled by the step up in trip so has to be respected.
Red Barrel and Jet Explorer are two others capable of winning this event.
The Mambo in Seattle filly Ngong Hills (Race 8) was full of running when winning over this course and distance on debut and looks as if she could win a few races. This filly looks unexposed off her current rating and jockey Greg Cheyne has stuck with her, which is a positive sign.
Alan Greeff also trains likely favourite and probable winner Thayer in Race 9. This three-year-old has won two of his four starts to date and showed he is equally proficient on turf with a substantial win last time out.