The Gr 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas contender Budapest put in a pleasing gallop at Kenilworth last Wednesday under the watchful eye of trainer Gareth van Zyl and it is all systems go for the Lithianian gelding ahead of Saturday’s R1 million race.

Budapest was a 4,25 length winner of the R2,5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m last time out on November 21 from a good draw. The collateral form is interesting because the runner up Anglet then went on to finish a 5,8 length fourth to Silver Mountain in the Gr 1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas two weeks later. Silver Mountain is quoted at around 9/20 for Saturday’s race, while Budapest is around 9/1.

However, Silver Mountain has a plum draw of two while Budapest is drawn wide out in 15. Van Zyl is not too concerned by the draw due to the athletic bay’s gatespeed and handy running style.

By David Thiselton