Taking a horse down from Johannesburg to Cape Town for a big race is no easy task, as was highlighted by the great De Kock-trained Igugu’s defeat in the Cape Fillies Guineas in 2010. The depth of class in the field that Majmu faces is greater and is headed by a filly in the Joey Ramsden-trained Cold As Ice who could still be anything.

De Kock’s other runner Ataab has the same owner as Majmu and could well ensure the good pace that Majmu will need in order to unleash her powerful finishing run.  The only concern for Majmu is that she has never raced around a left hand turn, but she was shown the turn by big race jockey Anthony Delpech yesterday (Thursday).

Cold As Ice kicked on superbly from a handy position in the slow run Gr 2 Choice Carriers Championship over 1400m last time out. She would love another “Cape crawl” as she has a stamina doubt, but is unlikely to get it and her draw of eight in the small ten-horse field is tricky.

Majmu is drawn six and Ataab, fresh from a decent third place in last weekend’s Gr 3 Fillies Mile at Kenilworth, is one outside of her. Ataab will be very fit and could stay on for a place.

Choice Carriers runner-up Double Whammy is known as a front-runner but was reportedly tucked in behind two horses in work the other day and the result had trainer Glen Kotzen and jockey Greg Cheyne excited. She is drawn in pole and could be in the box seat if Ataab is sent to the front.

Jet Set Go and Inara stayed on gamely for third and fourth in the Choice Carrriers without making inroads.

Grey Light has impressed with her strong finishing run before but was too far back in the Choice Carriers from a wide draw. She has another wide draw but will appreciate the longer straight and could earn.

Jeweller’s Joy didn’t enjoy much luck in the Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m but still managed a running on 3,75 length sixth to an exciting unbeaten colt. She is drawn well in three. Sunset Tripp set the pace in the Ready To Run Stakes and stayed on gamely for a 2,75 length third. However, she has never been this trip before and is widely drawn again. Cuvee Brut has run on well to win her last two sprints, but this a big step up in class.

Majmu is selected to beat Cold As Ice with Double Whammy, Ataab and Grey Light next best.

The weight for age Gr 2 Tony Taberer Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m is an intriguing race, but Gr 1 Mercury Sprint winner Fly By Night would have come on from her reappearance win and might have too much class. Rosier and Varikate both likely needed their last starts and have weight turnarounds with Fly By Night. Gr 1-winning speedster Alboran Sea should love this tough 1000m and has a fine chance if at her best. Lanner Falcon and Priceless Jewel would prefer further, but have class and can’t be ignored.

In the Listed Val de Ra Southeaster Sprint Daring Dave will enjoy the drop down to 1100m and is improving with each race. Happy Forever should be cherry-ripe and will enjoy this trip. Crescendo is a tough galloping type and could be good place value. Captain On The Run should do well with a light weight. Captain Of All is all class and is fit, but it will be tough to win with 61kg after a break of over a year.

The improving Ideal Countess could win the first from Sister Act.

Fire Master is well regarded and will appreciate the 200m extra of the second race, so if jumping better than last time looks to be a good bet. Upper Echelon has a good draw for a change and could win the third over 1400m. She would probably prefer 1600m but does wear first-time blinkers.

Improving stayer Even So has a perfect draw for his front-running style and could claim a hat-trick with a light weight in the fourth over 2400m.

The eighth could go to the well regarded Mint Master who is better than his last start, although topweight Lotus Lily Lake looks useful and could prove a tough nut to crack.

The impressive Bianzino should love the longer straight of the new course and could win the ninth. The last could be fought out by the improving Street Flyer and Master Runner, who was green on his fair debut.

Picture: Cold As Ice and Double Whammy (Liesl King)