By Mark van Deventer
There is an abundance of speed signed on here. ALL OUT FOR SIX (4) has tangled with the best 3YO’’s around such as One Stripe, Eight on Eighteen and Great Plains using pace forcing tactics to good effect.
THE FUTURIST (10) has twice stolen races as an unconsidered outsider (albeit over further) by opening huge leads – never to be seen again by slumbering rivals.
And 2024 Cape Guineas victor SNOW PILOT (13) can be formidable when galloping rivals into submission from the front. His penultimate start, winning by a pole gearing down over this course and distance, was impressive.
Light weight GALLIC DREAM (7) also likes to race handy, but he will allow the tearaways to blaze a trail and instead secure a smooth, stalking trip under Muzi Yeni. He does however take a steep hike up the class ladder.
The ultra dependable SUGAR MOUNTAIN (1) figures to get the run of the race. He is six from nine over the distance and four from five over a specialists, course and trip. A slight knock against him is that he could be in the grip of the handicapper, but he should be thereabouts at the wire even toting 61.5kg’s.
THE REAL PRINCE (11) looks most interesting. A lightly raced 4YO with impeccable breeding (by Gimmethegreenlight ex Real Princess), he comes off a good try in the Gr 2 Merchants. He easily beat the reopposing RAPIDASH (8), a versatile campaigner, at his previous start over this 1400m. In the process, THE REAL PRINCE earned a smart speed figure combined with a swift come-home sectional. It will require deft judgement from that draw by Craig Zackey. Given even luck, Dean Kannemeyer’s charge will be a major player.
Get Impressed (12) is weighted to finish closer to THE REAL PRINCE but goes best handy and will find it tough from draw 12 to get positioned.
A more plausible candidate is MEU CAPITANO (3), a swooping sprinter who now stretches out over seven panels. How will he fare? Based on his closing fractions over extended sprints he may be suited to 1400m. There is a slight query that he may prefer soft going. Nevertheless, high percentage pilot, Gavin Lerena rides (10 wins from the last 30 mounts and an overall strike rate of 27%) – so the jockey booking is a sign of positive intent.
WECANGOALLNIGHT’s (5) recent form is not too flash, yet he will love a fast run 1400m. He might be a touch high in the handicap and is usually not an easy steer, but Vaughan Marshall’s entry settles better under these circumstances and can hit the board at a big price.
It’s 70 weeks since out- of- form, WATERBERRY LANE (2) won; TAIL OF THE COMET (6) is enduring a dispiriting 66-week drought, and marathon runner, BILLY BOWLEGS (9) can also be tossed prepping over an inadequate journey.
MARK VAN DEVENTER’S SELECTIONS:
11 – 13 – 7 – 3 – 4