If the handicappers are anywhere near right then Rockin Russian should beat her male rivals in the Cape Classic when Cape Town racing returns in some style to Kenilworth tomorrow.

It is rare for a filly to contest this race but Sean Tarry’s runner has top form. She was only beaten half a length in the Thekwini, she receives all the allowances and has had a good recent run in a Turffontein Grade 2. On adjusted merit ratings she has 4kg (roughly three and a half lengths) in hand.

Lyle Hewitson

Of course her rating could be suspect. Trainers often accuse the handicappers of rating two-year-old Graded form too highly – after all a significant proportion of juveniles have still to see a racecourse at that stage – and several of tomorrow’s opposition have yet to show their potential. But at the forecast 6-1 Lyle Hewitson’s mount makes considerable appeal.

Three others among the 11-strong field are visitors but there is a feeling among the local handlers that the home team is better.  Justin Snaith suggested as much in this column on Monday when he said that Cot Campbell had Tap O’Noth to beat and the latter’s trainer Vaughan Marshall echoes this view, saying: “From what I saw in Durban I think the Cape horses are stronger.”

Marshall spoke of Tap O’Noth as a potential Guineas horse when the colt won first time out in April and reports him in really good form for tomorrow. If the handicappers (and me) are wrong about Rockin Russian then MJ Byleveld’s mount looks the one.

He is expected to start favourite, something of a mixed blessing. Favourites used to have a good record in this Grade 3 – they won five out of seven between 2003 and 2009 – but in the seven runnings since all but one has been beaten.

Joey Ramsden has won three of the last four renewals and his Speedpoint comes out second-best on ratings at the weights. But the draw has done him no favours whlle Dutch Philip needs to be the next Pocket Power to give 5kg and more to all the others. Mind you, he has won four out of six and he impressed on his return. “It’s not going to be easy for him but he is very well in himself,” says his trainer.

Whatever their fortunes with this one Candice Bass-Robinson and Aldo Domeyer should take the Western Cape Fillies Championship with Magical Wonderland who is unbeaten in four starts and put up a staggering performance when giving Rose In Bloom 3kg and a three-quarter length beating on her return at Durbanville three weeks ago.

There is a doubt about her stamina (although it’s not shared by her jockey) and her trainer says: “The race will tell but she is well and, if she does get it, she has a big chance.”

She is expected to head the market – favourites have won five of the last seven runnings and were second in the other two – but the trainer with best recent record is Justin Snaith. He has won four of the last ten and runs five.

Lady In Black and Desert Rhythm have Grade 1 form (in Durban) but neither has raced since, both have to concede weight and are drawn wide – a big disadvantage over this trip. Dennis Drier runs three but only Champenois has had a run and is well drawn.

Eyes Wide Opwn continues his build-up towards the Guineas in the Interbet.co.za Pinnacle but a Grade 1 penalty suggests he will not beat Table Bay and Copper Force. Ratings and recent running point to Table Bay.

By Michael Clower