When they met 15 days ago Nauticus ran on much the better in the closing stages but he had had three races under his belt whereas Washington Square was making his debut. He has only a length and a quarter to make up and Andre Nel, having studied the video, somewhat understandably believes he will do it.

Andre Nel

However it’s worth noting that the form took a knock when second-placed Pata Pata was beaten at 5-10 here on Wednesday. If victory is to go elsewhere then Inertia looks the one most likely to succeed. Richard Fourie’s mount suffered interference when favourite at Durbanville last time but his previous debut run was full of promise.

Washington Square opened at 33-10 with World Sports Betting yesterday when Nauticus was favourite at 22-10 and Inertia on 9-2.

Shadow Warrior, who won that race 15 days ago, has top weight in the Drakenstein Stud Handicap 35 minutes later and so the CTS race should provide a valuable pointer. However the one that catches the eye is 33-10 chance Henry Tudor who romped home nearly five lengths clear in a Fairview Maiden four weeks ago after four consecutive seconds at Kenilworth.

The gelding races off the same mark (77) and is ridden for the first time by the capable Louis Burke who has the considerable advantage of a 4kg claim. “That is going to help a lot and he won so well in PE that he should run a good race here,” says Justin Snaith who is leading the national log and on Wednesday became the first trainer this season to pass the 50-winner mark.

Also to be considered is the consistent Dayonaut (3-1) as well as bottom weight Aviemore (7-1) who is 2kg better with 9-2 chance Trojan Quest for a length and a half over a furlong less three weeks ago. Trojan Quest was reported to be hanging that day but Harold Crawford says: “He was just drifting towards another horse.”

With The Sun Also Rises drawn wide fellow 22-10 shot Captain Ram looks the one in race three, the mile Betting World Maiden. The Brett Crawford runner shifted sharply away from the whip inside the final furlong last time and had to be straightened. He still finished second.

I Travel Light, only beaten half a length when fourth in a blanket finish 15 days ago, races over a further 400m in the Snaith Racing Handicap and looks worth an interest. He is 9-2 joint favourite with stable companion Big Pleasure.

By Michael Clower