By Mark van Deventer
Cape Racing will stage an intriguing, ten race card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday afternoon, including the lucrative HSH Princess Charlene Big Cape showdown.
The R1.5 million Cape Racing Sales Cape Slipper has attracted 11 juveniles who will load into the gates at 12h40. Assessing 2YO form on scant evidence is tricky. Black Cheetah has won both his starts when heavily supported for strong connections – Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie. Likewise, Military Command, Malmesbury Miissile and Dreamworld were popular in the market when winning last month. Clair de Lune and Whatastar, though yet to open their accounts, warrant respect having been regularly placed.
The marathon runners get a chance to shine in the (Listed) Monaco Sport of Kings Kenilworth Cup over 2400m. The official Best Weighted rankings are tightly clustered. Only two points separate six-time winning stayer, Holding Thumbs; way overdue for a third win, Triple Time; steady pace-presser, Otto Luyken; Blackberry Malt and the veteran, Nebraas. Factor in low weights, Groovejet and Bombers in the Sky who have scope going a longer route and it all adds up to a difficult 7th race for punterss to resolve.
Two potential betting opportunities, from the same stable, present themselves early in the afternoon. Both Rattlesnake in Race 3 and Babelicious in Race 4 are conditioned at Milnerton by Candice Bass-Robinson.
The first named was demoted after passing the post first 18 days ago and will try make amends in a 1000m dash. The son of Buffalo Bill Cody has run some neat races without recent reward and his turn cannot be far off competing against horses with merit ratings of 83 and below, though he will need to do so by fair means rather than foul, which cost him last time.
Babelicious competes against fillies and mares in the 13h50, Middle Stakes. Lightly raced at intervals, she really caught the eye at her last start when dashing to within half a length of stable mate Trip to Maputo. If she can reprise that fine effort over 1200m whilst now cutting back to five furlongs, she rates a potential winner.
She will need to stave off, amongst others, First Masterpiece who is going for a hat-trick. Vastly experienced horseman, Patrick Kruyer has done a fine job with this fickle, Oratorio filly, harnessing her talent despite traits of stubbornness and unsoundness.
Mai Sensation, Miss Marguerite and the speedball, Blue Holly are others to consider.
Players of the Pick 6 and Jackpots need to find legs where they can short-select to contain costs. Race 9 may lend itself to such a strategy with Gallic Dream, Meu Capitano and Promettere appealing as likely winners.
Gallic Dream earned a smart speed figure when thwarting Mauritius bound, Talk to the Master’s finishing flurry three weeks ago, and he will be a big runner carrying 53kg’s over his preferred course and distance (1400m.)
Meu Capitano beat Eric Sand’s entry in a strong race at the end of January, then didn’t quite see out a mile at his most recent start. Returning him to seven panels seems the right move by trainer, Piet Steyn.
As for Promettere, he gets on well with expert jock, Richard Fourie who knows how best to utilise his powerful turn of foot. This race sets up just right for his running style, stable mate San Pedro should ensure a fast run 1400m which Promettere will relish.
