Track switch triggered questions

Punters' Pal

CRICKETERS cannot do it in the rain, but do not fear, jockeys can!

If the rain chases you away from test cricket at St George's today, you will at least be sure of some action at the polytrack at the Fairview race course.

One of the assets of the track is that it is there to step in when rain would normally have killed a race meeting.

That was what happened last Friday when the meeting was moved from the grass to the poly after four races.

In the end it saved the meeting and we saw some great racing, but the move was not without drama. The problem is that such a move changes the complexion of the meeting.

Trainers, owners, jockeys and punters did not prepare for a meeting on the poly and a lot of adjustments had to be made. Questions could also be asked if it was necessary to move the races, but it all ended well.

Although things got a bit heated, we saw some really fine racing.

The satellite yard of Justin Snaith showed some muscle and there was some fine riding by Richard Fourie, especially the victory with the Jacques Strydom-trained Golden Fighter.

Then there was a fine performance by the filly Winter Fantasy in winning the Breeders Guineas Plate.

My moment, though, was a sensational battle between the sprinters London Perfect and Tetelestai. What a race and you have to feel for the connections of second-placed Tetelestai.

It was nice to see new trainer Renate du Plessis producing her first winner. I am still not sure why Renate was not at the track for her big moment but husband Jannie (not the rugby player!) did fine representing the stable.

Tomorrow the eyes of PE racing fans will be on Kenilworth in Cape Town to support one of their favourites, the champion stayer Drill Sergeant, trained by Tara Laing. Drill Sargeant is taking on strong opposition in the Chairman's Cup.

Punters' Pal tips for Fairview:

PA R288: 1-3/1-2-3/2/3-4/3-5-13/ 1-4/1-7-12-15

Pick 6 R1920: 1-2-3/2-9/1 -3-4-5/ 3-5-10-13/1-4-5-6/1-3-10-12-15