By Mark van Deventer
Middle distance turf races in Cape Town are rarely run at a tearaway gallop but there are plenty of potential pace- forcers in this years, Cape Town Met. This probably won’t quite lead to a pace meltdown but ability to see out ten panels should be important.
ORIENTAL CHARM (3) went all the way in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July over 2200m so he will be dangerous from a low draw; ATTICUS FINCH (5) won the Gr 1 Summer Cup and has dominated Highveld races from prominent positions; LITIGATION (6) is an on-pace runner; BARATHEON (13) also likes to press on whilst classy filly, RED PALACE (2), the long-striding and athletic, MONTIEN (15) bang-in-form, MAGIC VERSE (11) and super-dependable, RASCALLION (16) have all done best stalking, or occasionally, setting the speed.
The weight terms of this race and the projected strong pace should suit SEE IT AGAIN (12) ideally. Previously high class from a mile upwards and bred to be even better over a test of stamina, he would be the pick but for some sub-standard recent tries. Former champion jockey, now trainer, Michael Roberts has quite a challenge to revive and refocus the fickle 5YO gelding who finished dead last in the King’s Plate three weeks ago.
While FUTURE SWING (4) does not rate nearly as highly as SEE IT AGAIN on pure ability he is in prime condition to give it a shot. He should work out a good trip, settled midfield off a brisk pace and has the stamina and finishing kick to make an impact in deep stretch.
Justin Snaith trained stable mate, 3YO, EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (10) is handicapped a big chance on a line through star contemporary, One Stripe.
Working on the basis that he’s length or so inferior to One Stripe -a recent winner against elders in the prestigious Gr 1 King’s Plate, then he will be a major player carrying just 54kg’s. There is a lingering query – he is untried over the distance.
Of the balance, AL MUTHANA (2) has been way below par for a while; ROYAL AUSSIE (7) is talented but arguably best up to a mile; the enigmatic, PACAYA (8) is more bust than boom these days and BARATHEON (13) is in too deep and in any case, better on tighter tracks.
MASTER REDOUTE (14) comes in here 26 weeks after winning the 3200m Gold Cup. He is a versatile sort that can show if diligent horseman, Andre Nel has him fit enough on resumption.
ZAPATILLAS (17) is on the comeback trail after an injury and is running credibly under the circumstances. He is not the worst long shot as his form ties in closely to the ever-reliable RASCALLION, who ran second in last year’s Met and has won three features from the last four races contested.
The 2025 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met is a fascinating and contentious race. Exotic bettors may choose to cast a wide net to cover the plausible chances.
MARK VAN DEVENTER’S SELECTIONS:
10 – 4 – 16 – 15 – 12
