Snaith and Fourie to be out in force at Fairview

The powerful Justin Snaith stable will be out in force with Cape Town raiders at Fairview to-day and has a bright chance to claim victory with top-weight Star Chestnut – his sole en-try in the race – Race 7 and main event, the Fairview Mile (Non-Black Type) over 1600m.

This six-year-old raided successfully back in January at this course over 1400m with Grant van Niekerk up.

Returning for his next raid in December and ridden by Fourie, the gelding was a fast-finishing second to Afrikaburn in the 1600m Memorial Mile over the course and distance.

His subsequent run when rid-den by a claiming apprentice and unplaced in a 1400m MR 102 Handicap at Kenilworth is best overlooked as he was unruly in his starting stall and kicked the gate.

With Fourie up and having a favourable inside draw, the combination should be in the winner’s enclosure.

However, he will have most to fear in Alan Greeff -trained Union Jack (Greg Cheyne).

This six-time winner comes off an inspiring last run with Fourie aboard – running on stoutly from off the pace and finishing a 1.75-length second in a 1400m Pinnacle Stakes.

The six-year-old’s most recent success was three runs back when he had Cheyne up and came through late to score by 0.75 lengths in the 1200m Craddock Place Stakes.

Others in with claims are Man-grove and Afrikaburn.

Turning to the minor events, the Snaith-Fourie combination could strike in Race 3 with three-year-old Philander in a 2400m Maiden Plate.

The gelding was unplaced in his last two runs at Kenilworth, but his previous two runs when finishing third over 2200m and 1900m at Fairview brings him right into contention.

Snaith and Fourie will be tough to beat in Race 4 with three-time winner Casual Diamond, who lines up in a Pinnacle Stakes (F&M) over 1000m.

The four-year-old can be considered unlucky last time when backed and finishing second in a tough 1000m MR 92 Handicap at Kenilworth, as he ran on strongly despite being hindered by a slipped saddle.

The combination has a bright chance to follow up in Race 5 with Tyrian in a Sophomore Plate over 1400m.

This expensive son of Dynasty was a clear-cut winner with Fourie up four runs back over 1000m at Kenilworth, and could pop up here over the extra distance.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.