Cape Racing puts on an intriguing ten race card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday with the Gr3 Langerman for juvenile colts over 1500m, and the Winter Mile for older horses headlining the programme.
Vaughan Marshall (six wins from the last 30 horses saddled and going great guns) has a strong hand in the Langerman, with varying tactical options. ONE STRIPE, winner of both the Cape and Winter Nurseries, can use stalk and pounce tactics from gate 1. The determined ALL OUT FOR SIX is on a hat-trick after going start to finish last time, while TALK TO THE MASTER, who races as if this extra distance is the answer, can deliver a late rally.
SURGE OF POWER attained a smart figure at his penultimate start, and then performed credibly versus elders at the follow up, so he is another legit contender. Meanwhile, EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN, only just outrun by SURGE OF POWER, before beating off Krim, must also be factored in.
The remainder are less likely to make an impact. GNARLY, also trained by Marshall, seems well held on form as he is yet to place after three tries. RAMA FORCESA has a victory over EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN to his credit, yet his two most recent starts are trending in the wrong direction. MAURITIUS KESTREL finished three lengths off ALL OUT FOR SIX and faces an uphill struggle to hit the board.
12 runners will load up for the Winter Mile in a competitive affair. There is a wide spread of quality form, and many of the entries love the wet to further complicate matters.
Horses that race handy are favoured on the Winter track’s short run in when the North Wester is blowing and the ground is slushy. Perhaps a possible pace angle can help provide some focus. COASTAL COMMANDER to press the early speed with ZAPATILLAS getting the run of the race going handy from draw 3.
ZAPATILLAS has not won for 777 days though, and trainer Brett Crawford will be hoping to finally hit the jackpot with this well-performed son of Master of My Fate. He has at times since that 2022 KZN Guineas victory, run with distinction against stronger foes, in an interrupted career.
COASTAL COMMANDER is a very smart three-year-old, but if you fancy his chances then the Justin Snaith trained, RAPIDASH who narrowly beat him in a thrilling Gold Rush must also be taken seriously.
SILVER OPERATOR is rising eight, yet he has shown classy form in the past and may still have some spring left in his legs, while SUGAR MOUNTAIN is a talented and consistent miler proven in soft going with plausible each way claims.
They can be used as wider alternatives in exotic perms to the three principals together with PORT LOUIS who will also have supporters given a favourable post (1).
Not only is record-breaker Richard Fourie on board to enhance prospects, but the son of Gimmethegreenlight is 4.5kg better off at the weights with COASTAL COMMANDER for a 1.75 length beating in April.
