Justin Snaith talks of this being a disappointing season for his stable but he has had 112 winners and won nearly R13 million in stakes – only Sean Tarry has done better – and Captain Alfredo can add to the tally in the Racing.Its A Rush Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth tomorrow.

Captain Alfredo (Nkosi Hlophe)

Richard Fourie’s mount has to give weight all round but he ran a fine race to take second to Brutal Force three weeks ago when he had the slow-starting Line Break and Asstar behind on these terms. The fact that he had the speed to get to the front after a furlong and a half should stand him in good stead over this shorter trip.

Despite its name this race is a close to being a handicap with the weights marginally favouring those at the top end. Asstar comes out just the best and probably represents the biggest danger despite his habit of giving away ground at the off. He holds La Favourari, Line Break and Vincente on Southeaster running on Christmas Eve.

“He is sluggish coming out of the stalls so 1 000m is really too short for him,” says Glen Puller. “But we are running him here to keep him ticking over before we send him to Durban.”

Line Break started favourite when finishing third 12 months ago but is not quite the force he was – or at least he is not so inclined to run up to his form – and he looks only third best.

Kuda Sprint fourth Apollo Star has the best form in the opener but the fact that he is the only one of Joey Ramsden’s quartet not jocked up is a cause for concern. Donovan Dillon, who rode him last time, is now on the promising Rock My Soul and accordingly this one gets the vote.

King Of The Corn has won three of his last five and is probably still on the upgrade so he is taken to beat Friendly Tibbs in the Soccer 13 Handicap.

Hernando’s Promise is rated seven points clear in the Racing Association Maiden but he has proved expensive to follow and has found one too good for him in each of his last four starts. Oval Office is preferred.

Shrewdy kept on well in an admittedly weak 1 200m race last time and the Andre Nel filly has a lot more on her plate in the mile maiden but the extra distance may enable her to bring out the necessary improvement.

Greg Cheyne, who returns for eight rides at Fairview today, has seven mounts here and his best chance is probably on Make It Raine in race six.

By Michael Clower