Greyville’s night meeting tomorrow features the Gr 3 Kings Cup over 1600m and this shapes as a polytrack championship, so is going to be full of intrigue.
Exit Here (Nkosi Hlophe)
Charles Laird sent Exit Here over trips shorter than the mile due only to the big money pull of the CTS Million Dollar, because he is crying out for further and the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 will be his main target. However, he showed by running fifth in the Million Dollar, despite a slower pace than expected, the mile is well within his compass. His run of five successive wins before that included four on the poly and he is the one to beat.
Olma also loves the poly. She was weighted to win the Gr 3 Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m on the turf last time and did it effortlessly. She could have more to come now her probable best trip has been found.
Stormy Eclipse has won four out of his five races over the course and distance and jumps from draw two. He should be cherry ripe and carries Anton Marcus’s riding weight of 55kg, so won’t have to lug any deadweight. He could be a threat.
The filly In Other Words is another danger as she is unbeaten in five starts on the poly, so it is unknown what her limit is. She looks distance suited and is drawn in pole.
It Is Written is by Dynasty, like Olma and Stormy Eclipse, and has already proven his liking for the poly. He is 1kg worse off with Stormy Eclipse for the 1,25 length beating he gave him in the GR 3 Christmas Handicap over this trip on the Greyville turf, so they should finish on top of each other on paper. However, his wide draw of eleven makes it tough.
Way Of Light (Nkosi Hlophe)
Uncle Tommy is down to a competitive merit rating and will be a big runner too.
Marchant is one to be concerned about as his form in the stronger centre of Cape Town is decent and he could be well handicapped, particularly considering he sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight.
Way Of Light has won three out of five on the poly and won his only start over this course and distance comfortably, so is another one who can’t be discounted.
No Worries has become disappointing but his merit rating has consequently dropped. He makes his poly debut but he usually needs his comeback outing.
Silver Spring has many issues but has a big heart, although things will likely need to go his way.
Mumsy’s Jet is also a courageous sort and he has snuck in with the minimum weight, so can’t be ignored.
The selection is Exit Here to beat Olma with Stormy Eclipse, In Other Words and It Is Written next best. However, Uncle Tommy and Marchant niggle as a pair who could upset the applecart, so should be considered for exotics.
By David Thiselton
