The battle for the Glenlair Trophy is one of Port Elizabeth’s great races for stayers and must not be missed at Arlington on Friday.
Also make a note now of the PE Gold Cup on June 14 at Fairview, which is the longest race in South Africa.
It will take a very fit horse to win in PE over 3 200m.
Cape Town trainer Mike Stewart is here to do battle with the six-year-old gelding Paddy O’Reilly. The stable expects a huge run but there are some smart stayers that make it a competitive affair.
Drill Sergeant (Tara Laing) is having a wonderful season and is priced up as favourite with the Cape Town raider, There are also others with chances and you can never leave out the horses of trainers Jacques Strydom and Mitch Wiese in these types of races.
Inca’s Spirit, trained by Wiese, was the Eastern Cape’s champion stayer last season. She has been rested for two months but a huge runner if at her best.
Strydom has four runners in the race with Solo Flight and Key Castle probably the pick. The nine-year-old Key Castle, the champion EC stayer two seasons ago, will be the oldest horse in the race.
He missed the Glenlair last season due to injury and the race was won by Jervis (Gavin Smith), who will be back to defend his title.
As always the Place Accumulator won’t be easy to catch. I am going with Sunset Girl as a banker in race 4 no 4.
Glenlair Trophy – recent winners
2012: Jervis (Gavin Smith)
2011: Key Castle (Jacques Strydom)
2010: Refined In Fire (Yvette Bremner)
2009: State Opening (Martin Cohen)
2008: Arctic Fleece (Jacques Strydom)
2007: Palm King (Jacques Strydom)
Now read Henk Steenkamp’s tips.
