He also has a dominant record in the Gr 2 Selangor Cup, which is considered the chief pointer to the Cape Guineas. He last won the Selangor in 2009, when saddling the one-two, Past Master and subsequent Cape Guineas winner Noodrdhoek Flyer. However, up to that point he had won six of the first eight runnings of the race.

Afrikaburn, an athletic colt by Trippi, already has a Gr 1 under his belt having won the Gr 1 Durban Golden Horseshoe over 1400m at Greyville as a two-year-old. He caught the eye on his reappearance when appearing to be labouring halfway down the straight but then suddenly taking off to finish a two length second to the older horse Reim in the Gr 3 Kuda Matchem Stakes over 1400m.

Kannemeyer confirmed that Afrikaburn had needed that run and added that he might consider quarter cup blinkers next time out too. He has drawn 9 out of 17 entries in the Selangor, which is to be run on the Kenilworth Old Course over 1600m on November 22. He will be a leading contender in both that race and the Cape Guineas, although Kannemeyer pointed out that the Western Cape had “the most competitive racing in the country”, so it is very tough to win these big events.

Balance Sheet is a Silvano colt whom Kannemeyer thinks highly of. He is an improving sort and to date has won two out of his three starts. Both his wins have been over the 1600m distance of the Selangor and the Guineas.  Balance Sheet drew barrier 11 in the Selangor. The two colts worked together on Saturday and should be rearing to go by Saturday week.

Picture (Afrikaburn) by Nkosi Hlophe