Magical Wonderland is a possible banker in the CTS 1200. She remains unbeaten in four races over sprints, has a fine turn of foot and has proved in top class company she stays further. Therefore the tough Kenilworth 1200m run into the teeth of what is forecast to be a strong south-easter will be right down her alley.

Dutch Philip was 2kg under sufferance when a strong-finishing second in the Grade 2 WSB Cape Merchants over course and distance, so is worthy of his 109 merit rating   and on paper is on an identical footing with Magical Wonderland. His last start in the Diadem didn’t pan out well, but he was still far from disgraced.

Dutch Philip (Liesl King)

The value in the field could be the outsider Sassy Lady, who will be advantaged by the conditions. Her times have not been great, but she looks the sort who would enjoy a fast pace, as she relaxes well and has a good cruising speed beneath a big stride coupled with a fine turn of foot.

Kasimir, the Snaith stable elect above Sassy Lady, is an improving sort who should be in the mix. There is not much between him and Woljayrine.

Grade 1-winner Sand And Sea looked classy as a two-year-old but now has something to prove having had two below par runs in Cape Town. The Grade 2 winning-fillies Green Plains and Desert Rhythm are also having their third runs in Cape Town and like Sand And Sea have something to prove.

In the CTS 1600 Talk Of The Town had to overcome a wide draw over course and distance last time yet still pulled away from them in the closing stages. Cot Campbell came from second last in the Cape Guineas to finish fourth and is deservedly the highest rated horse. Vacquero is a long-striding progressive sort by Silvano who was doing his best work late when a narrow third in the Dingaans. Ancestry is a long-striding sort who is much better than his recent form suggests and he now gets blinkers on. Flying Free was a touch unlucky in fourth in the Dingaans, where he proved he stays this trip. Captain And Master is a classy sort who has affected his chances on occasion by over-racing. If he settles from a wide draw he has a chance. Big Pleasure is a long-striding sort who didn’t enjoy blinkers last time and from a good draw he could make a bid from the front, although the trip is a touch too sharp.

Rocket Countdown won the Selangor on the tight Kenilworth Old Course, but then had every chance in the Guineas over this course and distance and failed to impress. Undercover Agent has a lovely, long stride but found little extra in both the Selangor and Cape Guineas and was found to have made a breathing noise in the latter. However, he has pole position here and if bouncing back to the form of his second to Tap O’Noth in the Cape Classic over 1400m he has a chance. Too Phat To Fly has shown a hint of class and could earn. Rings And Things has to have a place chance in that case too. Raya Baya will be finishing strongly and Aurelia Cotta has earned her status as the highest rated filly here, so they could also earn cheques.

By David Thiselton