Ottimo to win it for Snaith
Trainer Justin Snaith has put his faith in young Louis Mxothwa at Fairview today, the apprentice having taken over most of the stable’s significant rides.
HARD TO BEAT. Ottimo has raced against stronger and looks the runner to beat in Race 4 at Fairview today. Picture: Supplied
Stable jockey Richard Fourie is back in action in the Cape but says he still has a few aches and pains so he clearly wants to ease back slowly into the saddle. Mxothwa is one of the most exciting apprentices around and he could come away with a few winners at this meeting on the turf track if things go his way.
He rides Ottimo in Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m and his mount must have an excellent chance of winning a race of this nature. This five-year-old son of Oratorio has a decent record at the track, having won twice and placed second on the other two occasions. Both of his defeats have been to Silent Partner and fortunately he is not in this line-up.
He is well weighted under the race conditions and is well enough drawn at No 6.
His main threat could come from Two Gun Kid who has returned to form recently. Jockey Juan Paul van der Merwe will have to be alert to overcome No 12 draw and there is no doubt Dorrie Sham’s runner would prefer an extra 200m.
But he does have a slight weight advantage over many of his opponents and should run well.
One of the most in-form combinations in Port Elizabeth are trainer Tara Laing and jockey Raymond Danielson. They team up with Sir Duke who has been in top form on the Polytrack. He has won at Kenilworth on the turf so one can assume the good form will continue on the grass.
He flew up last time under Danielson to beat So You Think by 0.50 lengths and from No 2 draw must be respected.
