The nine-race meeting at the Vaal today is on the outside track, meaning by trends high draws will be favourable.

The first race is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1200m. Dukes Dime showed good pace second time out over 1160m at Turffontein and should have improved from the run. The form of the race has worked out well and she is now drawn on the right side.  Snowdonia could use her natural pace to overcome her low draw.  Strydom is an eyecatching booking. Shirley-Kay has improved with blinkers and could earn a place in this field although she doesn’t have the easiest of daws. Youcanrockme didn’t find much extra when prominent throughout over 1400m last time so is interesting stepped down in trip. Catwalk Tease’s good pace could help her overcome her low draw and she could earn here.

Gavin Lerena

The second is a Maiden over 1400m. Crimson Magic packs a strong finish from sprints up to this trip and is the one to beat from an ideal draw. Raging Fire, having not been disgraced from tough draws in two good maidens over 1200m at Scottsville, didn’t enjoy much luck from an unfavourable draw over this course and distance in his penultimate start but caught the eye and from a fair draw should earn in this uninspiring field. Vee Man ran on well after being bumped at the start over 1160m on Saturday so if taking his place could earn here if dropped in behind them which could enable him to overcome his low draw. De Lujo is a big galloping type and has a tougher draw than when running third over course and distance last time, but this is a weaker field overall so he could earn again. Count’s Quest could earn dropped back in trip as he did quite well last time over1800m despite over racing.

The third is a Maiden over 1400m. Mississippi Rising made a fair comeback over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside Course on 26 December and should have come on from the run so is the one to beat in this weak field from a good draw over a suitable trip. Scotland has his third run after gelding and could earn from a good draw over a step up in trip which will suit as he moved up well in a race over this course and distance before his gelding but didn’t go through with it. Keep On Flying has a 2,5kg claimer up and if reproducing his best run over course and distance, when run out of it on November 21, he can earn in this weak field. Border Hopper made breathing noises when prominent over1600m in early October before finding no extra and is interesting with first-time blinkers on. Il Duce has shown enough to be able to earn here from a good draw.  Can You Hear Me can earn if overcoming the draw.

The fourth is a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1600m.Mythical Magic is well drawn and the form of his third over this trip at Turffontein in late October is strong. Sweet Chestnut is drawn on the right side and should go well over a suitable trip for Gavin Lerena. Loving Kindeness has the form to go close but has a tough draw. American Story ran on well after losing two lengths over course and distance last time and could earn. Tawhiri should improve but has a tough draw.

The fifth is a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m. Cape Marigold charged at them late over course and distance last time and is drawn on the right side off the same merit rating. Alexa was not striding out last time so is better than that and could make amends here from a good draw with Lerena back up. Readyforyourlove was found to be coughing when going close over 1700m here last time and is now well drawn over a suitable trip with Marwing up.

Race 6 is a MR 93 Handicap over 1400m.Machismo is 1kg under sufferance but is drawn on the right side and should go close if settling. Light The Way is a decent sort who is course and distance suited  and has a fair draw. Captain Aldo won well over course and distance last time and is drawn on the right side off six point higher mark with Lerena keeping the ride. Rushmore River is in good form and could earn. Prince Jazeem is 2,5kg better off with Captain Aldo for a 1,25 length beating but has a tough draw.

Race 7 is a MR 75 Handicap over 1400m and the front runner Strong Mind is drawn well over a suitable trip and the 2,5 kg claim will help. Tamarind is only two points higher than his last win over course and distance and Strydom is now up and with a lot of pace in the race he could overcome the low draw. Nation Builder is course and distance suited and the race should set up for him well from a fair draw under Lerena. Demosthenes is interesting stepped down in trip having run on well the last time he tried it and subsequently having twice set the pace over 1700m and 1600m respectively. Woza Mododa is drawn well over a suitable trip off an attractive merit rating.

Race 8 is a MR 88 Handicap over 1000m. Al Azraq is a well regarded sort and is well drawn over a suitable trip. He deserves a change in luck. African Ruler will make a bold bid to continue his winning ways having beaten a good sort last time out. He is off a five point higher mark but Lerena stays aboard. Angel’s Power is right up with African Ruler on 1300m form and is unbeaten in two starts over this trip so is interesting from a good draw.

Race 9 is a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m and Shiver ‘N Shake is knocking on the door and could get it right from a good draw over this suitable trip with Lerena up. Silvan Jazz could be dangerous from a good draw over a suitable trip off a significantly lowered merit rating. Qarman returns to the trip of her debut win when ridden by Andrew Fortune and he is reunited with her.

By David Thiselton

National champion trainer Sean Tarry’s feet seldom leave the ground but he was very happy to have added the prestigious Gr 1 weight for age L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate to his trophy cabinet, courtesy of superstar Grey’s Inn colt Legal Eagle and the brilliant jockey Anton Marcus, and went on to describe Saturday’s event at Kenilworth as a “phenomenal raceday.”

Anton Marcus

Legal Eagle’s chief aim had always been the Gr 1 J&B Met over 2000m and Tarry had not “expected” him to win on Saturday, but added the victory had “not surprised him.”

Marcus said of his decision to switch to Legal Eagle after initially being declared to ride Act Of War, “I just weighed up my options and decided it was the right thing to do.”

Tarry and Marcus had discussed three different plans before the race, but Tarry had ultimately allowed the consummate professional “to do his own thing”. However, he admitted to being surprised at seeing his charge “handy”.

Marcus said Legal Eagle’s jump in his last start over 1800m at Turffontein had been “ordinary”, so pinging the gates on Saturday and going to the front had not been the plan. “I just found myself in front,” he said.

Bouclette Top then came around him, but Marcus said, “It’s always nice to get cover but, if left alone, I would have gone on my own. He’s a very easy horse to ride.”

Marcus was now in second place and formulated a plan “to get away from the milers” in the straight.

He said, “I wasn’t going to hang around, he has plenty of stamina, and I went for home quite early.”

On video evidence he asked the question at about the 400m mark and Legislate, poised behind him, was sent for home at exactly the same moment. Legislate initially made up some leeway to reach Legal Eagle’s hindquarters, but the latter then drew away effortlessly and only a couple of backhanders and showing him the stick were required to see him running out a cosy 1,5 length winner.

The Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm-bred horse had justified his 120 merit rating, the highest in the country.

Marcus has won the Queen’s Plate on some of the greatest, like Empress Club in 1993 and Variety Club three years ago, and his other wins have been on the subsequently phenomenal sire Jet Master in 2000 and Mother Russia in 2011. However, while his riding career is still going he will never be drawn into comparing horses.

Tarry said Legal Eagle had come out of the race well and it is all systems go for the Met.

He said of Gold Onyx’s 5,25 length eighth, “He didn’t disgrace himself, he was three wide and over raced and finished just five lengths back in a weight for age, I will take that as a prep any day.”

Legal Eagle (JC Photos)

Gold Onyx loves Cape Town and S’Manga Khumalo, who rode him to second place in the Gr 2 Premier Trophy over 1800m in his penultimate start, will be back aboard in the Met. Khumalo stayed in Johannesburg on Saturday to ride French Navy in the Gr 3 London News Stakes, which ultimately had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Tarry felt programming important feature races to be run on the same day in different centres should be looked into and not repeated.

Speaking of Queen’s Plate day as a whole, Tarry said, “The race attracted one of the best fields seen in the country for the last four or five years. L’Ormarin’s have done wonders for the event and have also brought some big names as co-sponsors. The after party and champagne gardens were great, it’s a very classy day.”

“LQP” is often called the “Royal Ascot” of South African racing, but Tarry disagreed and said, “Royal Ascot is all about top hat and tails, but it’s hectic. The Queen’s Plate is not overly crowded, it’s a chilled out day, and there’s also top class racing.”

Tarry was pleased with Liege’s third place in the Gr 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m, which gives him a chance of forcing his way into the CTS Million Dollar final field. He dropped outside the top 20 on the final CTS Million Dollar log due to two below par runs in Cape Town, but Tarry’s contention before Saturday’s race that those runs had been due to an ear infection and mucus in the trachea respectively proved correct.

Tarry has taken a chance and sent Lunar Approach and Swift Sarah down to Cape Town already as they were in 12^th and 15^th place on the last Million Dollar log respectively. Machismo also put his hand up by finishing 1,5 lengths behind the narrow Dingaans runner up New Predator last time out over 1200m. He said none of his four nominations would be “prayerless” and regarded Lunar Approach as his chief contender, saying, “He is a top horse and I expected him to give Suyoof a go in the (Listed) Secretariat (over 1400m, where he was a 1,6 length third), but the jockey managed to find trouble with no horses around him.”

Meanwhile, Marcus will be riding the Mike Azzie-trained Rabada in the Gr 1 Investec Cape Derby on January 23 and is, “at the moment”, aboard the Dennis Drier-trained Seventh Plain in the Million Dollar.

Rabada carried topweight of 62kg in the Politician Stakes on Saturday and, jumping from a plum draw of two, finished a 2,25 length sixth to Black Arthur, to whom he gave 5kg. Marcus said, “It was a decent run, a satisfactory race.”

By David Thiselton

“We are ready,” declares Justin Snaith as his two market leaders spearhead his 36-strong armada for tomorrow’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate meeting at Kenilworth.

“Futura has never been better for a race at a mile and certainly, if they don’t beat him here, they have no chance of doing so over 2 000m [in the J & B Met],” says the former champion. “But if Legislate rocks up they had all better watch out.”

Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Snaith insists that he cannot split the pair and, up to yesterday morning at any rate, nor can the market. There has been money for Legislate, enough to bring him down to 2-1 joint favouritism with his stable companion. Seemingly punters are remembering how he came back from similar lengthy lay-offs to smash the mile course record in last season’s Green Point and win the Gold Challenge.

Heartland’s role could be crucial – a poor gallop would throw the race wide open and the two favourites to the wolves. “We want a good pace but we will see what happens,” says Snaith. “I am not going to sacrifice him if he has a chance of getting a place.”

This is a good race for favourites – they have won seven of the last ten – and one of the big two should win tomorrow. Legislate is the better at a mile but Futura has a significant fitness advantage.

Captain America, nibbled at from 7-1 to 11-2, beat Futura in the Green Point with an enterprising ride but he is adaptable. “We will play it by ear because don’t have to be stereotyped on him,” says Brett Crawford. “But what I don’t want is a canter and then a sprint.”

Anton Marcus’s decision to change horses in mid-stream does not exactly inspire confidence in Act Of War who, don’t forget, made up a prodigious amount of ground in the short straight when coming from too far back in the Green Point.

He has drifted from 13-2 to 8-1 but the man who Joey Ramsden has called on to take over is perhaps the most naturally gifted of all the jockeys now riding and he is performing at the top of his game.

Noah From Goa (Liesl King)

Legal Eagle (9-1) is the highest-rated horse in the race – although it’s hard to see how he is better than Futura and in any case his rating was earned over longer trips than this.

“Anton discussed it with me and it wasn’t an easy choice to make,” says Derek Brugman, “But the main reason is that this is a prep for the Met for Legal Eagle and Anton wants to take him round Kenilworth. It will be the horse’s first time round a left-handed turn.

“We feel that the pace could be strong and that would suit Legal Eagle who went very well in his last gallop.”

Noah From Goa is the sixth three-year-old to run in six years. Gimmethegreenlight won, Variety Club was second and Ebony Flyer third. The other two were unplaced. Given that the Guineas winner is trained by Mike de Kock, 10-1 is probably a bit generous – but only a bit.

Same Jurisdiction is a justifiable 5-2 favourite for the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes but it’s worth pointing out that this is not a good race for favourites –ten of the last 13 were beaten and, had it not been for Beach Beauty, that stat would read 11 out of 13.

Duncan Howells is concerned about the wide draw despite having the master in the irons. “A bad draw is a bad draw and it’s not in my favour,” he insists. “This is going to be a real test of her stamina but she is a classy filly and I couldn’t have asked for a better preparation.”

She could have her work cut out to confirm Garden Province placings with the on-song 3-1 shot Smart Call while 8-1 is a big price about last year’s winner Inara. “She didn’t thrive in Durban so you can’t go on her running there,” advises Candice Robinson.

By Michael Clower

Greyville stages an eight race meeting on tonight, the first four on the poly and the others on turf, and punters who have done their homework should be rewarded as most of the races are competitive.

Black Cashmere (Nkosi Hlophe)

In race one, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, Elusive Wolf raced green for much of his first two starts, but the penny appeared to drop late in his last outing over this trip on the turf when wearing first-time blinkers, and he then caught the eye, so gets the vote with Delpech now up from a good draw. Hearts R’ Pumping led with first-time blinkers over 1600m on the poly last time and went close so should be thereabouts again in the uninspiring field. Jabuticaba should be improving and has the ability to earn a place in this field. Putchini was relaxed in the running for a change last time out despite running wide and consequently ran to his ability and with a repeat he should be involved in the finish as long as he doesn’t jump too slowly. Powder Keg has not been disgraced in some fair fields although his best form has been over 1200m. The first-timer Eton is by Black Minnaloushe and is a half-brother to a couple of multiple winners. First-timer Enemy Action is by Brave Tin Soldier out of a Badger Land maiden.

Race two is a very competitive Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1400m which has a number of possible winners. Imbali was backed on debut and ran on to be four lengths back in sixth from a tough draw over the Scottsville 1000m, so she gets the vote from a good draw as she will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Catherine Of Aragon has some early speed and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip, being out of a seven-time winning Gr 3 victor from 1600-2450m. Blue Beach was still green last time but stayed on strongly and if getting into the race earlier has a shout, although she would likely prefer further being a full-sister to a 2400m winner. Roy’s Monkey did well when taken to the front last time on turf and from draw two with Marcus up has an ideal chance to repeat the tactic. Young Lass had to be rousted after starting slowly on debut and stayed on quite well in the straight without being cut in half so some improvement can be expected from this eyecatching sort although her pedigree suggests she might be suited to shorter (her full-sister Nordic Lass won her maiden over 1450m but was subsequently kept to sprints and her half-brother Mr Mickey Mouse was a Listed-winning 1000m specialist). All of Villa Floriana, Daenerys and Being Julia could earn too.

The third is a MR 66 handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m. Black Cashmere is interesting stepped down in trip. She went to the front from a wide draw over 1600m on the Greyville turf when winning her maiden second time out and beating a decent sort in the process. She then overraced over the same course and distance last time which suggests she could be interesting over this suitable trip as she should have enough pace to get to the front from a wide draw. Obrega went close over course and distance in October in a similar field from a similar draw and off the same merit rating. Donna Amata is drawn in pole and could run on into the money, but she does tend to start slowly and would likely prefer 1600m.

Donna Amata (Nkosi Hlophe)

The fourth is a MR 66 Handicap over 1600m and Strategic’s Pride makes most appeal as he has an ideal draw with Anton Marcus aboard and has a lowered merit rating, so on recent evidence should be finishing strongly over an ideal course and distance. Danish Wood appeared to love the course and distance on his return to action last time when sharing the spoils and from pole position should make another bold bid off just a two point higher mark. Second Lieutenant could earn from a handy position having not been disgraced last time over this distance on turf in a race in which he was 4,5kg under sufferance.

The fifth is a MR 74 Handicap over 1600m and Night Shadow has been in fine form since being stepped up to a distance beyond this trip. However, the key might be being by Silvano he has simply come into his own, and on recent evidence he could be too classy for this field. Capel Top is drawn in pole off a four point higher mark than his last win, which was over this trip on the poly, and he should be staying all the way to the line over a trip which is probably the shortest of his stamina range. Argyle Bay has been running on late over 1400m so is interesting here off an attractive merit. He starts slowly so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a concern as he can be slotted in behind the field. Roy’s Strike Force has run on over 1200m and could earn here if staying the trip, which he could do as his National Assembly dam finished second in a Listed race over a mile. Rocky Bay, representing an in form yard, is one point lower than his last winning mark and ideally distance suited.

The sixth is a MR 86 Handicap over 2000m and Kitty’s Destiny has always struck as one with plenty of ability and as one who would improve with age and over distance so from a god draw off a likely capped merit rating he could follow up on his recent facile victory on the poly over this trip. Qatar Springs has come class and is distance suited. Dante’s Legacy has been highly tried, so is obviously well regarded, and in his third run after a layoff is drawn in pole over a step up in trip he will enjoy.

The seventh is a MR 62 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m and Lady Ami at last gets a good draw over her best trip and she has been lowered in the merit ratings. The hard-knocking Class Mondiale should be thereabouts if able to find the front without using up too much energy. Tales Of Mambo now has Marcus up having proved herself suited to this trip, although she doesn’t have an easy draw. Jet NTombi has a tough draw but should be running on. Barcelona Babe is likely improving being by Silvano and could earn.

The last is a MR 70 Handicap over 2000m and the improving Pure Valor has Marcus up from a fair draw and can make amends for his last race when just touched off over this trip on the poly. Forest has some class and is interesting stepped down to 2000m. Jamal is well drawn over a suitable trip and has come down to an attractive merit rating.

By David Thiselton

Erstwhile South African race caller Peter Duffield often loudly exclaimed, “It’s race time!” With similar enthusiasm, the Mikedekockracing.com team would like to announce… “It’s Dubai International Carnival Time”!

Meydan’s pillar partner and official timekeeper, Longines, presents the opening US$920,000 Dubai World Cup Carnival card of 2016 today, highlighted by the first rounds of the Al Maktoum Challenge races for Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds.

Mike de Kock fields nine runners at this opening meeting and he jokingly described them as his ‘Squad Of Pensioners’. The average age of the stable’s first runners is six-and-a-half years which would’ve been close to seven if not for the presence of four-year-old Banaadeer, who will leading the Band Of Old Boys from Blue Stables to the racetrack.

Meydan’s officials won’t be handing out any carrot vouchers and they won’t allow the likes of nine-year-old Star Empire and eight-year-old Anaerobio any head-start but chances are the old stalwarts won’t need any favours.

“I suspect my average horse at Meydan’s first carnival meeting is older than the average horse in Sean Tarry’s yard and that tells you the story,” De Kock quipped in reference to his friend, the reigning South African Champion Trainer.

He added: “These older horses become more and more unpredictable with age, but they are still so impressive, they love their work and they’re fresh with all indications that they will see out another season just loving it. The carnival lends itself to horses like these who don’t race a lot elsewhere.”

De Kock supplied notes on his runners:

Race 2: Handicap over 1200m on Dirt
 Royal Ridge (Wayne Smith)
“Our horse here is seven-year-old Royal Ridge, who ended his Carnival last year with a good run over 1400m on dirt. He has a good inside gate, he’s well and has a Place chance.

Race 3: Handicap over 1000m on Turf
Banaadeer (AUS) (Dane O’Neill)
“I said last year that Banaadeer will be a better horse this year and I will stick to that, he looks the part. He’s in what I believe is a really tough comeback race so this won’t be easy. He’s fresh and well but will improve for the outing.”

Race 4: Gr2 Al Maktoum Challenge (Race 1), 1600m on Dirt
Prayer For Relief (USA) (Christophe Soumillon)
“Here’s an interesting horse called Prayer For Relief, he is eight years old.  He came to us just before World Cup night last year and we had only two weeks to prepare him so that was far from ideal. Despite that he ran a fair race about eight lengths off in the Gr2 Godolphin Mile. He’s had a very good preparation this time, he is sound and moving well. The drawbacks are that this comeback run is on dirt, that’s never easy, and also he’s in a really competitive field. It’s a strong renewal of the Maktoum Round 1 that includes plenty of Godolphin Mile runners from last year. Five of them were ahead of him on the day. We’ll see how he goes, he has some good scope for the carnival.”

Race 5: Handicap over 2000m on Turf
Star Empire (Sam Hitchcott), Sanshaawes (Christophe Soumillon) and Atomic Rush (Wayne Smith)
“The old guy Star Empire is fresh as a daisy, he and Sanshaawes are quite fit and while I cannot predict with any confidence how they will go, we’re expecting decent runs from both. Atomic Rush had a fetlock injury and hence a disappointing carnival last year, but he’s over that and he’s well, he is not 100% fit and will benefit from this run. Also he looks like he needs 2400m plus. He’s a nice horse, he is one for the carnival shortlist and we look forward to his campaign this term.”

Race 7: Handicap over 1400m on Turf
Zahee (Christophe Soumillon) Anaerobio (Wayne Smith) and Whistle Stop (Dane O’Neill)
“Zahee and Anaerobio are both in fine shape, they are as fit as they can be and again, while these older horses can let you down, their work is good enough to make them runners with chances. Whistle Stop was unsettled last year but he’s had a good rest and he’s doing well at home, he’s a different kettle of fish. He needs further and will improve with the run behind him.

*Race 1 of 7 at Meydan jumps at 5pm tonight (Thursday, January 7)

Courtesy of Mikedekockracing.com

The Gr 3 Cartier Politician Stakes over 1800m will form an important leg of the expected R2,4 million Pick 6 at Saturday’s big L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate meeting and this traditional pointer to the GR 1 Investec Cape Derby is full of intrigue.

Rabada (Nkosi Hlophe)

The Mike Azzie-trained Gr 1-winner Rabada is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings, despite having to lug 62kg. However, Markus Jooste’s racing manager Derek Brugman was unhappy that, due to an administrative veterinary hitch related to African Horse Sickness regulations, Rabada had only been able to leave Randjesfontein for Cape Town on Tuesday this week. He travelled well and was “fit and well”, but Brugman did not know what to expect as the horse would obviously have less time to recover from the 18 hour journey than they would have liked. Brugman added Rabada had proved “in need of the run” when beaten three lengths into second in the R2,5 million CTS Ready To Run Cup over 1400m at Turffontein, “through no fault of anybody’s as he was thought to be fit enough.” That was his seasonal reappearance and his first career defeat. He subsequently missed his engagement in the Gr 1 Grand Parade cape Guineas due to a bout of pharyngitis, which he has fully recovered from. He has a plum draw of two.

Unexposed horses often emerge as leading lights from the Politician Stakes and one such candidate is the Justin Snaith-trained Silvano colt Black Arthur. He has only had three starts to date and on the evidence of his last start when repelling when repelling the decent sort Mambo Mime on the Old Course 1600m, he will relish both the step up in trip of the Politician Stakes and the longer straight of the New Course. He was receiving 5kg from Mambo Mime, but took a while to get going, and at the line was pulling clear effortlessly. The weights are set by merit rated band and on the downside Black Arthur’s is not officially well weighted, and he is widely drawn too, but he looks capable of rising well above his current 90 merit rating and Piere Strydom is aboard.

Snaith stable jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe is aboard Star Chestnut, probably due to the weight of 58,5kg, but he does have pole position and on the evidence of his 4,4 length ninth in the Gr 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas, he should enjoy the step up in trip as he was staying on nicely from well back in the running.

Star Chestnut (Nkosi Hlophe)

Another stablemate Baritone, who is officially 2kg better off with Black Arthur as he carries 57kg off a 94 merit rating, had the run of the Cape Guineas from pole position and stayed on well for a 2,2 length sixth. Gavin Lerena will be aboard and this Trippi colt should also enjoy the step up in trip, being out of a Singspiel mare who won the Gr 3 Jubilee Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein.

The last of the Snaith runners is the More Than Ready gelding More Than Grand, a progressive sort who won over course and distance last time when using his big stride to stay on resolutely. He is merit rated only 81 and carrying 54kg, meaning he is 7kg out with Rabada, but he looks to have scope and is one of the dark horses.

A horse who will definitely love the trip, and further, is the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Cape Speed, who was a touch disappointing in a MR 85 handicap over 1600m against older horses last time as he was unable to produce any telling acceleration in the straight and was beaten over seven lengths by Milton. Before that he had looked a most promising Derby prospect. That last outing was his second run after a layoff and he will prefer this trip, so he can’t be written off just yet.

The form of Cape Speed’s last race points to the Mike Bass-trained Marinaresco having a chance here as he finished close to Milton at level weights over 1400m and will likely love this trip.

The other Bass-trained contender, Tin Soldier, won full of running over 1600m last time out and being by Silvano should be improving all the time

The Sean Tarry-trained Liege had genuine excuses for his two below par Cape Town runs and he could therefore end up being the best value price in the field as he has shown before why he is so well regarded and he will enjoy the trip.

The Mike de Kock-trained Mooghamir is well regarded and on the up and showed tremendous resolve when winning his first Cape Town start over this course and distance. He has similar form to that which De Kock’s 2015 Cape Derby winner Ertijaal had at this time last year.

Mooghamir holds Nebula and Eastern Charm on that last run. Kemal Kavur will find it tough as a front-running type from a wide draw. Solar Night is widely drawn and looks held on his overall form.

By David Thiselton

Captain America has been one of the most supported horses for Saturday’s big race at Kenilworth, the R1 million weight for age Gr 1 L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate over 1600m, shortening in from 7/1 to 11/2 with Betting World and he is at that same price with World Sports Betting, but his chances of beating his former stablemate Futura, who has remained steady as 2/1 favourite, don’t look bright on paper.

Captain America (Liesl King)

The big son of Captain Al will attempt to keep the fine run of the Brett Crawford yard in this prestigious race going. Crawford finished second with Jackson in both 2013 and 2014, behind only the mighty Variety Club, before winning it last year with Futura. The latter is likely still the apple of his eye as he took him from maiden through the ranks to a Queen’s Plate and J&B Met double. However, the superstar subsequently left his yard due to a well documented dispute between the owners.

Futura looks to be the horse to beat again as he looks to have had a faultless preparation for top trainer Justin Snaith, who guided the brilliant Dynasty entire to a fourth career Gr 1, the Champions Cup over 1800m at GReyville, after taking over the reins from Crawford.

Captain America beat Futura at level weights in the Gr2 Lanzerac Alta Mater Green Point Stakes over 1600m on the tighter Kenilworth Old Course last time out in November, but is unlikely to be allowed the same easy lead he had in that race. Futura was closing fast, losing by just half-a-length. Both horses will have benefitted from the run. Futura had previously beaten Captain America twice, in the 2014 Vodacom Durban July, when finishing third, and in the 2014 Green Point Stakes, when also third.

Captain America would love some rain and according to the forecast might be getting 3mm on all of today, tomorrow and Saturday. However, that would likely not be enough to swing it in his favour as the ground is still likely to be fast, which is just the way Futura loves it.

The Green Point did at least show that Captain America settled well in front, which allowed him to quicken superbly rounding the final turn. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see him leading him again from a wide draw of ten. However, in doing so he might have to be used up to get ahead of the likes of Noah From Goa and Heartland inside of him as the latter pair are unlikely to be hanging around.

However, if Captain America doesn’t go to the front he is not going to have it easy slotting in, especially considering his big frame.

Futura meanwhile has a plum draw of two and will likely have a plenty in the tank in the straight before unleashing his devastating turn of foot.

It all points to Futura having the edge in this particular clash, which some might believe to be a grudge match, but as Crawford and Snaith are both sporting in victory and defeat they are unlikely to be seeing it that way themselves.

By David Thiselton

The Vaal meeting today sees a switch to the Inside Track where low draws have tended to be favourable.

In race 1, a Workrider’s maiden for fillies and mares over 1000m, Kirsten’s Pride is the choice due to the jockey booking as there is not much between her and Fair Colour on form and both are drawn on the right side. Fair Colour lost many lengths when running on Tuesday and can do better if taking her place. First-timer Storyfields is a full-sister to Atso Time, who won his first three starts over this trip, but the high draw will make it tough.

In race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m, first-timer Nother Russia is by Tiger Ridge out of the multiple Gr 1-winner Mother Russia. First-timer Inaninstant by Silvano is a full-sister to a horse who won down the straight on debut and is a half-sister to the useful Sovereign Wood. First-timer Polyphonic is by Judpot and is a half-sister to Gr 1-winner Master Plan, but does have an unfavourable high draw. Of those to have run Spider Flower made a fair debut and has a favourable draw and Pipkin could earn.

Piere Strydom

The third is a strong event over 1200m and there will be a few scratchings as some these have been engaged in recent meetings and have won, meaning they no longer qualify for this Graduation Plate, while others might not have recovered from recent runs. New Predator looks to be full of class and could reverse earlier form over this trip with Buckland, from whom he receives 2kg. Those two will likely fight it out and Machismo could earn, while Silver Class and Negroamara could also be involved if taking their places having run on Tuesday.

The fourth is a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1700m and Bondiblu has some fair form and should love the step up in trip, while Strydom up is another plus. Ultimate Survival makes appeal as he should enjoy the step up in trip and Gavin Lerena remains aboard. Tip Of The Glacier should relish the extra 100m having run on well over 1600m for second last time out. Eversilver will be a runner as long as he settles, but his wide draw is therefore a negative. Abbey Chase is interesting stepped up in trip after just one race down the straight.

The fifth is a Maiden over 1700m. Nawab could be the one to side with having found support on debut and not running badly, despite being bumped at the start and finishing lame. Furthermore, the form has worked out well. Revelation went close over course and distance last time out. Strydom remaining aboard is significant and they are drawn in pole. Grand Classic ran a fair debut over 1400m and should improve over this trip.

The sixth is a MR 84 Handicap over 1400m and Bulleting Home should follow up on his last win as he overraced in that  1600m race yet still won comfortably, so he should relish the step down in trip and can handle the eight point raise from a plum draw. Without Permission looks well handicapped on his best form and has his third run after a break over an ideal trip. Raise The Red is down to an attractive merit rating and could start firing again over an ideal trip.

In the seventh, a MR 76 Handicap over 2000m, Consider The Cat looks talented and has overcome a wide draw over this trip before. Flaming Ace has been consistent off this merit rating and should go close again over an ideal trip. Dublin Rebel is widely drawn but ran quite well in a 1600m race first time out the maidens which has worked out well and he will relish the step up in trip. Triple Beat has been knocking on the door and is well drawn over a suitable distance. Masnoon didn’t run badly last time and has been lowered to a competitive merit rating over a suitable trip.

In the eighth, a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m, the talented Lena Laptev should have benefitted from her last run and is drawn ideally over a suitable trip. Wet Autumn Mist won a good race last time going away when stepped down to this trip, so could go close again off just a four point higher mark. Honolua Bay won her maiden easily and Strydom has remained faithful over the same course and distance.

In the ninth, a MR 68 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m, Outta My Wat is a decent sort who has dropped to a competitive merit rating and is drawn well over a suitable trip. Second Bite is off a competitive merit rating considering the blinkers brought out a form return last time out. Lady Casey can do better than last time, when her saddle slipped, and is another who looks reasonably handicapped so could do well from a favourable draw.

By David Thiselton

Futura and Legislate dominate the market for the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate at Kenilworth on Saturday and trainer Justin Snaith says: “They are both spot on and it will take a very good horse to beat them.”

Snaith, who won the race with Gimmethegreenlight four years ago, gave last year’s winner Futura his final piece of serious work in a racecourse gallop on December 27 while Legislate went to Kenilworth two days later for his.

“Legislate galloped 1400m on his own with Bernard Fayd’Herbe riding and he was very good,” reports the former champion trainer. “His best run last year was in the Green Point after four-and-a-half months off when he broke the course record and we are replicating what we did then with him.”

Towards the end of last week Snaith got his vet to check out both horses, explaining: “I always do that and I also give them a blood test to make sure there is no haemo-concentrating because that is something that can sneak up on you.”

Futura and Legislate have met on five previous occasions and every time one of them has won. The score is 3-2 in Legislate’s favour at the moment.

– TABnews

Picture: Legislate left Futura right (John Lewis)

Our Destiny, 100-1 when chasing home Silver Mountain in the Fillies Guineas, may well start favourite for the conditions plate at Kenilworth today. She opened at 15-10 with World Sports Betting on Monday and, while she has since eased to 22-10, she still makes a lot of appeal.

She has a kilo to find with Alexis on adjusted ratings but Glen Kotzen is bullish about her. “She has done fantastic and got so much stronger since the Guineas,” he says. “She runs here and then the Klawervlei Majorca (Jan 23). There are really no other races for her because of her high merit rating.”

Kotzen also runs last season’s Fillies Guineas third Double Whammy but the 4-1 shot chipped a fetlock in her next race. “She needed her last two runs and I may just decide to put a pair of blinkers on,” says the Woodhill boss.

Alexis (John Lewis)

Alexis met with interference in a hot race last time and so is better than the form figures would suggest. She has been nibbled at (from 3-1 to 28-10 with WSB and from 7-2 to 5-2 with Betting World) and seems a bigger danger than Eventual Angel who looks too short at 15-4 considering how much she has to find on the ratings.

Justin Snaith and Bernard Fayd’Herbe should warm up for Saturday by taking the last with Nima but the first two races are tricky. Punters should note that the three unraced horses in the first are all considered useful.

Ferrero Rocha is an Australian bred and Candice Robinson says: “She may need it experience-wise and she will also want more ground but she is quite a nice filly.”

Andre Nel, looking for an excuse to celebrate his 37^th birthday a day early, introduces Liberal Sally and says: “She is not a star but it doesn’t look a strong race so she might have a chance.”

The Trippi filly Trippvilia represents Hassen Adams and Darryl Hodgson who says: “She is nice and she will run very well if she is not hindered by greenness.”

Ferrero Rocha and Liberal Sally opened joint favourites at 7-2 with WSB on Monday but the money has come for the Nel filly who was only 22-10 yesterday afternoon and was backed from 5-1 to 2-1 with BW. Brett Crawford’s New Found Glory (whose first run was far better than the bare result would suggest) is a 9-2 chance but Trippvilia was friendless and drifted out from 10-1 to 25-1.

Flying Ryan, who opened 4-1 joint favourite for the All To Come Maiden (race two), has met with an injury and has been scratched. The money has come in a big way for the original 10-1 tip This Is Sparta who is now as short as 9-2. He has similar credentials to New Found Glory and Crawford says: “He ran a good race first time, coming from quite a long way back, and he has shown good improvement at home since then.”

He is still the selection but the value has gone. Bora Bora is also worth considering.  Fayd’Herbe’s mount could be slightly better than his last run would indicate – he didn’t stride out freely – and he now wears blinkers.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Alexis (John Lewis)