PIERE’S PICK. Crowd Pleaser is one of the horses Piere Strydom feels can win the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein today.
he progressive Big Brown Bear, winner of two of his last three races, rates the best bet on today’s Jebel Ali card in an 1800m handicap, for which only five runners have been declared.
Trained by Doug Watson, Big Brown Bear has always been highly regarded and started to justify his tall reputation this winter, easily winning a maiden on his seasonal debut at Meydan in November.
He lost little in defeat on his handicap debut next time, narrowly failing to catch Cachao in early December.
He made amends the following month, defeating Quartier Francais in a thrilling finish after the pair were embroiled in a titanic battle off the home-turn.
Big Brown Bear showed plenty of tenacity to land the prize, rallying bravely in the dying strides under a strong ride from Pat Dobbs.
He shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the switch to Jebel Ali, a venue he’s untested.
A strong-travelling sort, he possesses pace and stamina and is fancied to continue his rise up the ranks.
To take a bet:Go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.be ingworld.co.za..Ed Marnane’s picks:Best Bet: 1 Big Brown Bear (Race 3)Best Value: 2 Galaxy Road (Race 5)Best Swinger: 7 Grecian Spirit and 5 Compliance (Race 1)Jackpot (Races 4-7) R108 Leg 1: 2, 3, 4. Leg 2: 2, 6, 9. Leg 3: 1, 4, 5. Leg 4: 4, 6, 7, 9
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