Skip to main content

By Mark van Deventer

These Class 4’s can be puzzling with a wide spread of form as the entries move up or down in grade. A sound policy is to find horses that have recently done well at this level or in a slightly higher class.  

WAR CHARIOT (7) comes with a bit of a wealth warning as he is sometimes reported as coughing. But his recent record in Class 3’s withstands scrutiny. He’s recorded some neat figures racing prominently, and if he maintains form, he will be a threat dropping down a level.  

UN BEL DI (6) made an encouraging comeback at just above this level. That was after a 31-week rest during which time he was gelded. He should strip fitter and must go on the short list.  

CARRIACOU (10) is admirably consistent be it in Class 3’s or Class 4’s. He doesn’t win too often, just two scores from 22 starts, but will again be in the finish and might be able to crack No 1 box if things break right. The sample size is small, but Lerena and Sands combine at a 33% / 67% win and place hit rate from nine joint ventures this season.  

THE US OF A (14) ran second in this class at his last start. He goes particularly well with record-breaking SA champ, Richard Fourie doing the steering.  

WINTER PEARL (8) sports competitive speed figures and has run fairly at his last two starts so is another legit contender, though trainer Ricky Maingard (conditioner of former legend of the turn, Wolf Power) is a bit cold at present.   

SCOTTISH LION (12) won a Maiden by a steeplechase margin prior to moving into handicaps and is yet another in with a shake.  

CORK BAY (4) occasionally makes respiratory noises yet produced a neat penultimate behind a smart sort in Arctic Wizard. He fits on class and could be advantaged if speed down the inner holds up during the meeting.  

SUN DAZED (1) and TOUGH TERRAIN (2) are drawn inside of him. Both have regressive profiles and are gradually dropping down from higher ratings earned in their prime. They are usually ridden for luck – languishing off the pace, then clunking up late. Flamboyant rider, Grant van Niekerk has a special affinity with Tough Terrain, so watch out for a late dash from Justin Snaith’s entry.  

ROUGARAIN (3) who has been holding form versus weaker, will also come from off them.  

Now gelded, AFRICAN RAIN (5) won a modest Maiden back in March ’24 and has been off track for 31 weeks. Not sure quite what to make of him.   

CAVALRY COMMANDER (11) is also hard to assess. He won a Maiden over subsequent winner Victor Hugo despite making breathing noises, then was put away for two months by trainer Brett Crawford. He showed speed when winning at the second start of his career and could be a pace factor.  

GOLDEN DESTINY (15) is a fine physical specimen by emerging sire, Rafeef that has not been a factor since his fluent, Maiden score in November down this straight.  

EMPIRE STATE (9) is by the same Gr 1- winning speed, stallion. He sports solid form over 1400m with steady speed figures that make him a contender in a Class 4, turning back to sprints. This 3YO has been set the steadying burden of 62.5kg’s, however so must concede weight to grizzled, hard-knocking, older foes.  

This is a tricky race to close out the World Sports Betting Cape Town MET day meeting, with many live chances. Punters will need to shop for generous value about their choice.  

MARK VAN DEVENTER’S SELECTIONS: 

106 – 7 – 9 – 2