By Mark van Deventer
Bookies going 9/2 on the field in the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Premier Trophy indicates just how open the Gr 2 1800m contest is. Confounding as the puzzle may be, Race 5 forms part of all the potentially lucrative horizontal exotic sequences, so it needs solving.
With well drawn tearaway, THE FUTURIST; pace pressers, BARATHEON, OTTO LUYKEN and LITIGATION plus handy type ZAPATILLAS entered, the early pace could be fierce.
That may tee things up for long striding, RASCALLION who came second in the Gr 1 World Sports Betting Cape Met last year over 2000m, a race he is targeting again. He lengthens rather than quickens in contests over a mile and beyond – Vaughan Marshall’s charge has repeatedly shown himself to be extremely game and accomplished right up to Grade 1 level.
RASCALLION seems sure to run boldly in a true run affair over a course and distance that he loves. He is best weighted on the official ratings – another positive factor.
ZAPATILLAS rates right next to him on their Cape Mile tussle. Brett and James Crawford’s entry has endured an interrupted career but there are signs recently that he is rounding back to peak form. His tremendous run last February to reopposing PACAYA from a wide draw when conceding 10kg’s conveys just how talented he can be when all parts are smoothly oiled.
FUTURE SWING forms part of Justin Snaith’s six strong team. He would have a shout on the pick of his KZN form where his standout performance was beating subsequent Hollywoodbets Durban July winner, Oriental Charm in the Greyville 1900 in receipt of just 2kg’s.
The expected fast early pace should make him easier to settle – in some slow-early events he has over-raced and run below par. He is in the impeccable hands of Oisin Murphy who knows a thing or two about making his steeds comfortable in running.
Strictly at the weight turnaround he could be hard pressed to hold out TRIPLE TIME though, who is 5kg’s better off for a 1.5 length beating in the Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup. That was admittedly a year ago, but the grey Twice Over is a must use on bigger tickets with another world class pilot, Richard Fourie on board.
MAGIC VERSE, WITHOUT QUESTION and RAPIDASH have claims, too. The former is trending positively for Snaith, but he does take a steep hike in class. And the enigmatic RAPIDASH showed a return to form behind The Real Prince 24 days ago, though whether he builds on that is anybody’s guess. WITHOUT QUESTION is a long- term loser (last win 614 days ago) but he was only a length off RASCALLION when 3rd in the WSB CPT Met so has a shake on that.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN is a paragon of consistency and primed to run a sharp race once again. He will need to overcome draw 13 – not the end of the world over this distance on the summer course but a hindrance nonetheless to Candice Bass Robinson’s entry.
Exotic bettors should cast a wide net here to avoid dipping out in the Picks.
For the purposes of a 1-2-3 selection, with some trepidation I put forward RASCALLION, ZAPATILLAS and FUTURE SWING as primary contenders in a closely rated event.
