Race Preview: City of Cape Town Cape of Good Hope Nursery Gr3 (Race 3, 24 Feb ’24)

– Written by Mark van Deventer

(Image of LITTLE BALLERINA by Chase Liebenberg)

13 precocious babies will load up for the City of Cape Town Cape of Good Hope Nursery, which is carded as Race 3 of the SplashOut Seafood and Jazz Racing Festival on Saturday, 24 February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth – off time 13h15.

Given how tricky it is to compare youngsters right at the start of their careers on scant evidence, exotic bettors will be grateful that it does not form part of the Jackpot or Pick 6, though PA players must navigate a difficult opening Leg.

Here are short profiles on each entry in the card/draw order, with principal candidates for the 1200m G3 dash listed in CAPITALS:

Commanding, who placed twice after racing prominently at three starts, has tended to weaken out near the finish, so, game as he is, will need to boost his closing sectionals to have any hope.
SYMPHONY IN WHITE is bred in the purple being a What a Winter filly out of the outstanding race mare, Snowdance. She romped on debut and is clearly smart. Candice Bass–Robinson is the conditioner.
Captain Nacho is a first timer by Captain of All ex-Clifton Sunset.
Whistle the Tune went go-to-whoa on debut but has weakened tamely out the money at her two subsequent outings.
LITTLE BALLERINA raced handy then kicked at the right time to win the lucrative Cape Racing Sales Cape Slipper over the course and distance for trainer Candice Dawson. That is turning into a key form line as Prom Queen and Makazole, trounced six lengths out the money, have won their follow up starts.
ONE STRIPE went missing on debut when heavily backed, then made amends at his second try. He cleared off into a different time zone after leading from the jump and this One World colt trained by Vaughan Marshall shows real promise.
HANDSOME PRINCE has more experience than most after three starts. He has a couple of lengths to make up on Little Ballerina, though based on their CRS Cape Slipper clash when a beaten favourite.
BANFF won in some style on debut after a slow start. He, like so many here, is hard to assess, yet it seems worthwhile keeping Eric Sands’ entry onside.
WINDS OF CHANGE ran on to challenge Roman Agent when debuting a month ago. As horses often make dramatic improvement second up, Adam Azzie’s colt merits respect after such a solid, foundational effort.
ROMAN AGENT from the formidable Snaith Racing team, has won two of three starts, being supported each time. Another potently bred individual by Vercingetorix from the famous Secret of Victoria female line, he likes to race handy then sustain a strong gallop – optimal tactics in turf sprints.
Sweetie Darling won on debut, but the Royal Mo filly has since twice been seen off by Roman Agent.
Golden Destiny was backed on debut to beat One Stripe but was never a factor. He might improve with the benefit of that experience.
LION RAMPART has a win over Roman Agent to his name, despite running all over the show due to greenness. Richard Fourie sticks with the Marshall runner despite an unplaced last start flop when smashed in the betting.