The Justin Snaith-trained Dynasty colt smashed the Kenilworth Old Course record in the Gr 2 Green Point Stakes over 1600m last time out and displayed a dominance that will make him difficult to oppose in both the Queen’s Plate and the J&B Met, so he could well capture the Equus Horse Of The Year title for a second year running, despite the latter race likely being his last appearance in the country. He has a plum draw of two on Saturday and Richard Fourie aboard is an added bonus.
The biggest danger could be the Triple Crown and Sansui Summer Cup winner, the Geoff Woodruff-trained Louis The King, as his most impressive performance was in the Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas last season over the Queen’s Plate distance and he also ran a fantastic race from an impossible position in the Peermont Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile in early November. Woodruff came into the Queen’s Plate with the Summer Cup winner Yorker last year and that classy horse benefitted from the run before running a good second in the Met. There are those that feel Louis The King, despite his record over 1600m, will follow in those footsteps.
The Brett Crawford-trained Futura is regarded as a future champion by many, as he has all the credentials including a fantastic turn of foot. However, he has had a slightly interrupted preparation and the impression given is that he would be more comfortable over further.
Tellina is consistently placed at Gr 1 level and is also a former Gauteng Guineas winner, while Grand Parade Cape Guineas runner up Kingvoldt’s performance will give a clue as to how good the three-year-old male crop is.
Jet Explorer was unlucky in last year’s Queen’s Plate and has enjoyed a fine preparation, while Ashton Park has blossomed in his five-year-old year and could build on his surprise Green Point Stakes runner up spot. Gold Onyx and Paterfamilias will likely be better suited to the Met
It is going to be a humdinger of a race, despite Legislate’s presence having led to an unusually small field of nine runners, and the country’s racing fraternity will be glued to the action at 16:40 next Saturday.
Picture: Legislate (Liesl King)
