Bonnard to enjoy Polytrack

This six-year-old son of Spectrum has a record of two wins and two places in four stars on the surface, including a win in his only race over the course and distance.

After a run of successes in Port Elizabeth early last year trainer Justin Snaith moved him back to Cape Town, but although not finishing too far off the winners, he was less competitive in the stronger company.

Bonnard went back to Port Elizabeth to contest the Grade 3 Algoa Cup and did well enough in finishing fourth, beaten 2.25 lengths by Disco Al. Last month Snaith put him back on the Polytrack in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m and he ran strongly to finish a 1.35-length third behind Tiger Play.

He drops in distance, but Bonnard’s best results have been over 1600m so that should not be a concern. Apprentice Louis Mxothwa takes the ride and they jump from barrier No 7.

An interesting inclusion in the race is Money Grubber. The seven-year-old gelding may only be a three-time winner but he has raced in very strong company in Johannesburg. In October he finished a 1.25-length second behind stable companion Eurakilon and followed that up with a 6.50-length fourth behind feature-race winner Master Sabina. After that he failed to find the frame and was packed off to Port Elizabeth. He does have one bad habit in that he tends to lose ground as the gates open.

He was trained by veteran Ormond Ferraris and there is no doubt Dorrie Sham received the son of Strike Smartly in immaculate condition, which can be backed up by his first run in his new home town. Racing over 1300m, a distance far too short, on the Polytrack, Money Grubber took off late and finished a 1.25-length third behind Kono.

He is sure to improve over this distance and with just 53kg on his back, a No 3 draw and Karl Zechner in the irons, Money Grubber could go very close as long as he does not give away too much start.