Hard Day’s Night stands out in the Magnum Cape Classic when racing returns to Kenilworth tomorrow and the talented colt can become the third in succession to win this test for Joey Ramsden in the famous Jooste colours.
He was most impressive against older horses over a furlong further at Durbanville last time, giving weight all round, having everything else in trouble a long way out and winning pulling up. He seems sure to start favourite and that’s a positive with favourites winning half the last 12 runnings.
His biggest danger is probably his habit of drifting right in the closing stages. Donovan Mansour (pictured) reckons this is psychological because he remembers the sore shins he has had in the past. Ramsden says the horse had this slightly after Durbanville but adds: “He is doing very well.”
Captain Chaos and Eighth Wonder are the equal of Mansour’s mount on adjusted merit ratings but the draw puts them at a serious disadvantage. Ronnie Sheehan reckons his Cape Nursery winner is only 80% ready but Eighth Wonder is fighting fit.
“I do think he is more of a Derby horse and I wasn’t going to run him here from that draw,” says Greg Ennion. “But he has come out of his last run so well and he does have a lot of natural speed.”
The Stone Thrower is rated little more than a length behind the top three but he has not run since July. “We cut him since then, he has had a slightly interrupted preparation and he wouldn’t be quite where I want him,” says Ramsden.
The penalty structure is hard on Baritone for winning his last three and Bernard Fayd’Herbe has opted for stable companion Aspara. “There was very little in it between them but it was the draw that decided us,” says Justin Snaith. “But I’m worried about the trip. They would both be better over a mile.”
Forward Drive, another handicapped by a wide draw, did not race with his usual flair when held up last time although Paul Reeves reckons the educational value was considerable.
“If he pops the gate he will be up handy and hopefully he will then run a better race,” says the trainer. “But I will leave it to the jock. Making the running only to hit a brick wall 200m out wouldn’t be ideal.”
Mike Bass is bidding for his sixth Cape Classic in 14 seasons and Grant van Niekerk has opted for Ernie in preference to Rodney and Brilliant Crimson. “It was very difficult to choose,” he admits. “But Ernie ran very well in a sprint the other day.”
Seymour was impressive when winning a Greyville polytrack maiden and, although the handicappers were not taken – they only rated the gelding 79 when they could have gone up to 91 – Dennis Drier has not got where he is today by mistaking his geese for swans.
Purple Mountains has not raced for nearly four months and, as Xavier Cartsens cannot claim his allowance, the colt is effectively putting up 1.5kg overweight while Roman Discent is the lowest rated horse in the field.
Icy Fire appeals in race five as does Marinaresco 40 minutes later.
