Andrew Harrison

TRISTAN MUSTARD, grandson of July winning jockey Leslie who scored on Lightning Shot for Dessie Rich, has taken up a job as groom come workrider for top UK jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.

Mustard has already made a name for himself as a fearless rider, partnering some of the yards more difficult inmates in work. He used to ride Mot A Mot at work but said; “I don’t ride Mot A Mot any more. He’s a quiet ride with a lovely temperament.”

 Mot A Mot made headlines after winning at Chepstow last week when jockey James Bowen produced one of the rides of the season according to the television pundits.

Moments after the start in the Pertemps MPS Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race, his rein broke. The 18-year-old looked down at the tack problem, which seemed to encourage the 9-2 shot to go faster and take the lead.

Bowen adjusted his balance aboard the grey, firstly to keep the partnership intact, but he then had to deal with the horse veering to his right on the bend.

“There seems to be some sort of issue with the leader who is hanging badly around the turn,” said the commentator.

With just one hand steering the horse, at a top speed of more than 40 kmph, he managed to guide him towards the rail.

Fortunately, the pair were able to navigate the final bend in a straighter fashion, but the drama wasn’t over.

Bowen looked behind him to see where their rivals were and nearly collided with the ‘wings’ that bordered the course.

Mustard was a pleased as punch groom in the winner’s circle.

Watch the race on youtube.

ANDREW HARRISON

THE stipendiary stewards who were officiating at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday, will have had their hands full and we could be looking to import jockeys for the next few meetings. Like cockroaches scattering in the kitchen when the lights are turned on, they were all over the course, whether it be bowling horses out of the gate or losing their compass in the straight.

The stipes would have had a hard time sorting through the culprits in the third. Lowan Denysschen looked to have had a change of fortune when the meeting was switched to the poly track with Crusade’s Star out-gunning the opposition in the second.

Two races later he was cursing his luck as High Green ended up the meat in the sandwich just as he was moving through to make his run.

Replacement rider Muzi Yeni was not entirely blameless as he allowed his mount to shift out slightly but he got hammered from both sides and would certainly have finished a lot closer than he did as he was shunted out of the race.

Anton Marcus was on the receiving end as Prince Karesh go ‘done’ out of the pens in the sixth and his mount never raising a gallop, not that he would have had any chance with winner Valiente who barrelled out of the gate and was not for the catching.

These were just a few instances that caught the eye.

A mile-and-a-half on the turf is a different race to ten furlongs on the poly but yesterday’s switch benefitted Dream Destiny, who in spite of carrying joint bottom weight and still under sufferance, took advantage of the switch in surface and a good ride from Yeni to land the fifth for Kom Naidoo.

  Favourites were in short supply yesterday and there is little to enthuse about in today’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting and advice to punters is to tread carefully.  The majority of runners are well exposed but are mostly limited which makes the handicap races a minefield and the maidens are similarly competitive.

But we soldier on.

In the first, Life Goes On was a well beaten second last time out but meets a modest field here and must have a strong chance and could be one of the better bets on the card.

In the fourth, Good Girl has useful form in sprints but is bred to stay this trip. She is lightly raced and if she stays the distance, she could be hard to beat but Two For Tea was deemed good enough to take to Cape Town for the season. She has had two runs back in sprints and should be much better suited to this trip and could prove a threat.

ANDREW HARRISON

PUNTERS face a difficult card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today and some wet weather will add another degree of difficulty. That said, get it right and you will be sitting with a bulging wallet or a healthy account balance.

There are many first timers in the card opener but Ashley Fortune has left Silver Blue in KZN and she takes her chances against males. She found one too good for her in the well-backed Good Traveller but that experience will count. Crested Eagle was a little disappointing when fading late behind Good Traveller. He seems better than that but Donovan Dillon has jumped ship to partner debutante Prince Vihaan while Lord Varys should improve on his debut effort. The betting should be you most reliable guide.

The second is a tricky maiden. Trumpet Voluntary disappointed last run after two improved showings but he may be worth another chance. Crusade’s Star has run two of his best races on the turf and goes well this trip. The two well-bred first timers, After The Rain and Mr Cat will not have to be too sharp to feature in this line-up.

In the third, Coromandel was probably just in need of his last run, his first for a new stable and back from a break. He should come on lengths from that effort and get your PA off to a good start. Mr Pigalle has improved with every outing and should be running at them late and looks a threat while The Gaul finished just ahead of Coromandel when last they met and was also returning from a break. However, the former may just have a little more to come.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a wide-open handicap. Al’s My Daddy was having his first run for his new stable when returning from a break. He has some fair Cape form before that and at best should make a bold bid. High Green may prefer the poly but he did not get the best of rides last start and appears to be coming to hand again. Spring Fling was much improved with the blinkers off and won well enough to suggest a big chance in spite of a five-pound rise in the handicap.

Garth Puller holds a strong hand in the fifth but best of his runners could be Twice Golden. He stays well and was runner-up in a stronger field last outing. A repeat will see him into the money. Run To Denmark has done most of his recent racing on the poly but is a victim of his own consistency with his rating barely moving. Mrs Hotline showed up well last run on this course and should stay the extra in spite of taking on males.

The sixth is another difficult handicap but Princekresh is lightly raced but has his third outing after a break. He is also down in class so should feature prominently. Valiente was disqualified after an objection by the clerk of scales last run. His form before that was solid and with a 2.5kg claimer up he must be a big runner. Alfonsa Spagoni is up in class but was narrowly beaten over course and distance last run while Kings Road has put in two smart local efforts and goes well this course and distance.

If you are looking to cut on expenses it may be in the seventh where the two obvious choices are Fever and Double Gemini. Fever has done all of his recent racing on the poly but he has come well in blinkers and meets a modest field here. Double Gemini took a long time to shed his maiden but was never far off them. The form of his maiden win has been franked and he has a big chance in this line-up.

In the eighth, Tiger Tank has done well for his new stable. He was a well-beaten fourth last outing but his best form has been on the turf and he should be concerned in the finish. A Whole New World shows plenty of scope and goes well for apprentice Kyle Strydom while H Two made steady improvement leading up to his maiden win. That form has since been franked.

In the last, She’s A Keeper is lightly raced and obviously has problems but she has put in two smart efforts to date and should enjoy the extra furlong. Gary Rich sends out to lively runners in Arctic Princess and Boogie Shoes.  Arctic Princess reverts to the turf but she has good form since being tried in blinkers and looks a lively contender while stable companion Boogie Shoes has the worst of the draw but shows promise and is one to keep an eye on.

David Thiselton

VAUGHAN MARSHALL’S long-striding gelding Linebacker became the second high performing son of the champion sprinter Captain Of All to defy his pedigree when winning Saturday’s Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby over 2000m under Grant van Niekerk.

Shango was the first, finishing second in the Grade 1 SA Derby over 2450m last year having earlier won the Dingaans, but Linebacker is better and might turn out to be something special.

Linebacker jumped from the widest draw of all but Grant van Niekerk was able to find cover in the back half of the field. 

The Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock had meanwhile ruined his chances by refusing to settle in front. 

Linebacker’s stablemate Rascallion was effectively dictating in second place about five lengths behind the wayward Russian Rock.

In the staight Rascallion moved up well to take the lead and was soon challenged by the much touted The Gatekeeper, a full-brother to previous Cape Derby winner Legislate. 

However, Linebacker could afford to switch in looking for a run and then switch outward again before moving past the two protagonists in front effortlessly.

Van Niekerk just had to give him a couple of backhanders to keep his mind on the task and in the final stages was able to glance over both shoulders before easing him up to win by 1,50 lengths. Rascallion was runner up, half-a-length ahead of The Gatekeeper. Hoedspruit was a length further back in fourth, 2,25 lengths ahead of fifth placed Crimson King with Russian Rock next best. 

Linebacker has now beaten Rascallion four times in succession but interestingly has started double the odds of the latter, or more, on every one of those occasions. 

The public should now be convinced who the better horse is.

It was Marshall’s second Cape Derby win, the first being ten years ago with the Al Mufti colt Top Seller. 

The Marshall yard is famously linked to Al Mufti’s legendary son Captain Al and they will be thrilled to see the influence now being passed on by another generation. Captain Of All is of course a son of Captain Al’s.    

The SA Champions Season beckons and Linebacker looks to be a Vodacom Durban July candidate with the WSB Guineas and Daily News 2000 his obvious route.

He should not be given a hefty raise from his current 112 merit rating. The highest rated horse in the race was Russian Rock, but he did not run to form. The consistent Rascallion went in with a 110 rating, while The Gatekeeper was a 109.

On paper Linebacker  should be raised one point, although he will likely be given an extra two or three for the ease and classy manner of the win.   

With Rainbow Bridge in the July Linebacker will have to be higher than a gross 124 rating to carry more than the minimum weight for a three-year-old male of 53kg. Even if he wins both the WSB Guineas and Daily News 2000 he is unlikely to rise above that mark.

Rascallion, who had finished third, one behind Linebacker, in all three of their previous meetings this season, started favourite at 47/20 on Saturday, while Linebacker started 13/2. The reasons could only have been Linebacker having yet another wide draw and his pedigree suggesting he had a stamina doubt, whereas Rascallion looked to have no stamina doubt and was once again well drawn. 

Not only was Linebacker’s sire Captain Of All a sprinter but his dam Thin Red Line, by the speed influence Redoute’s Choice, had two career wins both over 1000m, although she did race mainly over a mile and also had a third over 1800m and a second over 2000m.

The stamina question mark has been answered and Linebacker must now be favourite for the Equus Champion Three-Year-Old male Award as he has versatility on his side too.

His three previous starts this season, all for runner up finishes, had been in the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m, the Grade 2 Concorde Cup over 1600m and the Grade 1 Cape Guineas. He had to overcome wide draws in the last two of those races and was particularly unlucky in the latter race as he was caught wide throughout and then when seemingly having the race won he drifted in, away from the stick, which arguably cost him victory.

Justin Snaith hinted before Saturday’s race that the still maturing The Gatekeeper would be at his best towards the end of the season so he could still be a challenger and Malmoos, winner of the Concorde Cup and WSB Gauteng Guineas, is also still in the running for champion three-year-old. 

Linebacker was bred by Klawervlei Stud and is owned by Cheryl Gabler and Ken and Jane Truter.

DAVID THISELTON

TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE hosts a meeting today which features four stakes races and this will whet the appetite ahead of the WSB SA Classic and Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic meeting next Saturday.

The first of the four features is the Listed Ruffian Stakes over 1000m and the topweight Naarah is the one to beat despite having to give 2kg to the one-time winners and 5kg to maiden Veneta. She has showed fine pace to win both of her starts. However, the list of precocious youngsters who win their first two starts well before failing at the first feature race hurdle is a long one as two-year-olds mature at different rates and the others can suddenly catch up. Bella Chica, for example, looks to have some scope and has Piere Strydom aboard so could be a threat. She is only 2kg better off with Naarah for a four length beating but last time the apprentice jockey might well have sat for too along as Bella Chica was doing good work late. Under Your Spell won easily on debut and also looks to have some scope. Heaven’s Girl improved third time out to win from start to finish over 1200m and is 2kg better off with Naarah for a 2,75 length beating over 800m. Supreme Quest stayed on well to win last time so is also not out of it. Veneta lost her race at the start on debut over 800m but seemed to have a fair stride and receiving weight from the rest can’t be ignored.

The next race, the Listed Storm Bird Stakes over 1000m, is just as open. Social Image improved second time out and quickened well off her strong pace so is the one to beat with her 2.5kg female allowance. Captain’s Run was just half-a-length off Naarah over 800m on debut and followed with a good win. He showed good pace in the latter race and quickened well to repel the challenger Heaven’s Girl. Hope Is Power did not record a great time on debut but won easing up and looks to have scope for improvement. Arctic Skyline was a bit green when finishing second last time out so could still improve. The first-timer Sheela is by the miler to middle distance Group 1 winner The United States (Galileo) out of the Listed-placed Trippi sprinter Trip To India. 

In the Listed Bauhinia Handicap Sweet Future is the selection. This long-striding daughter of Futura has plenty of scope and has good cruising speed. From a nice high draw she can mow down the field late. Tropic Sun broke through the stalls last week before a 1200m event and so not surprisingly faded late after showing her usual good pace. She is now over a fast 1000m so her pace will make her a dangerous contender. The small four-year-old Risk Taker might get a tow from the big horse Sweet Future towards the outside and she has a blistering turn of foot so she could be a danger too. Rapid Fire is 7.5kg better off with Anna Capri for a mere 0,75 length beating so is also in it. Anna Capri can’t be ignored as she is capable of blitzing any field. Last time she was tardily away so did not lead and yet still won. If she gets a good break this time she could follow up despite it now being a handicap which makes her task a lot tougher than last time. 

In the Grade 3 Acacia Handicap the lightweight Destinys Game is progressive and if she starts on terms can mow the field down in the straight. Wisteria Walk has blossomed and has been impressive in her two prep runs over 1400m and 1500m. Rio’s Winter has plenty of class and is distance suited and competitively merit rated. Magic School is classy and capable of carrying topweight from a good draw and will want to be more handy than last time. Mount Laurel is course and distance suited and well drawn. Wylie Wench and Seehaam are both officially under sufferance but look to have the ability to go close.           

Andrew Harrison

WHAT makes horse racing the sport that it is? Gavin van Zyl and stable rider Warren Kennedy put it all in a nutshell after Stanton Street landed his long overdue maiden win at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday, running all the way to the line to deny Gauteng raider Life Goes On.

Kennedy admitted that he had all but written off the gelding as a ‘professional maiden’ and Van Zyl said he was never quite sure over what distance his charge would be most effective – yesterday’s race over 1000m. “Being out of a Zabeel mare, a solid New Zealand staying pedigree, I thought he would go ground. But it seems that I got it all wrong and I had to change things around and start again.”

Van Zyl also pointed out one of the darker sides of the sport. An owner putting his hand up at a sale and then reneging on their commitment. “In the ocean without a paddle,” as he so succinctly put it, and it is a scourge and unpleasant and costly reality that all trainers have had to deal with some time in their career.

Being a trainer in South Africa, having to deal with exponential rising operating costs in a stagnant economy, a myriad of other complications, some petty rules and keeping an equine athlete in peak condition, it is more difficult operating a training yard than anything Cyril Ramaphosa faces in running the country.

Gauteng raiders drew first blood when Southern Cape and Gin And Tonic fought out the card opener. Both were quick out of the gate and duelled all the way to the line. Marcus had Southern Cape in the lead turning for home with Ryan Munger, having his first ride back in KZN for many a year after a spell in Singapore, looking to have Marcus in his sights and dead to rights.

However, when asked the question, Gin And Tonic challenged gamely but could not get past Southern Cape who kept finding to the line.

Munger got himself on the board as Bright Eyed Girl made all the running for Weiho Marwing as she left her opposition trailing in her wake. “She showed us good work on the sand,” confirmed Marwing’s son Warwick who was doing duty for his father.

Spare a thought for Lezeanne Forbes. She was on the end of some stinging criticism when Fat Cigar finished ahead of stable companion and favourite Legislate’s Dance at Hollywoodbets Scottsville recently and was faced with a similar scenario when Panna Cotta, the less fancied of her two runners finished with a rattle to win the fifth.

She explained post-race that both of her charges had hot temperaments, favourite Koopa Troopa displaying hers before being coaxed to load.

She explained that given that the race was run at a pedestrian pace, the sprint for home was never going to suit the favourite.

“She is a very big filly with a massive action and when she ran second, she had the beautiful long Scottsville straight.

“The race was run at an absolute canter and there was no way that she would be able to out-sprint them down the short straight.”

Panna Cotta is another difficult filly, “she tends to beat herself” according to Forbes but apprentice Kyle Strydom handled her beautifully and he will not be long in shedding his claim.

The colours of the International Racing Club with Joa de Matta at the helm along Mike de Haast are familiar silks on the local circuit and Truly Wicked did them proud with a comfortable win in the sixth.

Wayne Badenhorst, with sister Barbara and brother-in-law Warren Kennedy, are always a combination to keep an eye on when they team up. 

David Thiselton

THE Pick 6 is tricky at first sight on the Vaal Straight course today although it could be catchable for those who do their homework. 

In the opening leg Supreme Dance is a lot better than his last start and will be hard to beat if repeating his debut. Jet Cat goes well for claimer Jeffrey Syster and could pick up the pieces if he fluffs his lines again. Lazy Guy makes most appeal of the rest.  

In the second leg over 1200m Golden Spoon should be running on strongly dropped back to this trip and should fight it out with the hard-knocking Bat Out Of Hell.

In the fifth race over 2400m Don’t Look Back has relished the long straights of the Highveld so can make it four-in-a-row despite being 2kg under sufferance with best weighted horse Fife. He won extending over this trip last time and it is interesting to note he has a victory over Gold Cup winner Paths Of Victory to his name over this trip. Fife will be a big threat as she has likely benefited from her last start. The inside horses also stole a march o her that day and she could have otherwise got closer although she does have another tricky draw. Captain Chorus can never be ignored over this trip. Earth Shaker has been in fine form over shorter and is a half-brother to Gold Vase runner up Before Noon so might stay the trip although being by Capetown Noir is a detractor. Ocean Forest is an interesting runner over this trip being by Duke Of Marmalade out of  half-sister to Listed Winter Oaks winner Fresnaye.     

In the sixth race Dr Doolittle is a decent sort and the last time he ran in a handicap over this trip he defied topweight. He didn’t shape in the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes next time out. However, he is by Ideal World so should be improving all the time and can defy topweight again off a four point higher mark than his last win, especially as he jumps from a good draw of two. Our Coys beat the talented Nartje the last time he tried this trip and on formlines he comes out better than Prospector. Prospector is a scopey sort and is by Traffic Guard so should enjoy this trip and can do better than his last attempt at it. August Rain is an interesting runner as he is a rangy front-running type and being by Soft Falling Rain out of a Jet Master half-sister to the champion stayer Hermoso Mundo might enable him to stay this trip. War Jewel has good recent form over 1600m but has to prove he stays this trip and there must be some doubt on pedigree being by Vercingetorix out of a Captain Al sprinter. Bepop enjoys this trip and could give some cheek with a light weight.      

In the seventh race 1600m Dawn Of A New Era won comfortably over 1400m in the maidens last time when finishing strongly and starts off on a reasonable 78 merit rating. That puts him 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted horse in this Classified Stakes race but he should relish the step up in trip. Un Deux Trois was doing good late work last time over 1450m in a fillies and mares handicap and is now the best weighted horse over a step up in trip she should relish. Picadilly Square ran on strongly last time over 2000m for third and in the current slowish conditions this trip might not be too sharp. Sun Giant is a big horse with not much pace and does not have an electric turn of foot but he certainly stays on so could become a threat in the latter stages. There is not much between him and Manitoba on form.  

In the last race over 1600m Drummer Dude is dropped down in trip to a course and distance over which he has placed in all three starts. The last time he ran over this distance he made good late progress. He is officially only 1kg out with the best weighted pair but this is alleviated by the 1.5kg claim of Jeffrey Syster who knows him well. Pucker Up is 1.5kg under sufferance with the best weighted but finished strongly over 1800m last time behind a promising sort and she was 0,85 lengths ahead of Drummer Dude and is now half-a-kilogram better off. The trip will be on he sharp side but she should be charging late. Contrail is 1.5kg out at the weights with the best weighted pair Anatura and Land of Rubies but he has the same 4kg claimer aboard as he had last time when running on well for second. Land Of Rubies should have benefitted from her last start which followed a three month layoff and she should relish the step up in trip. Kapama was not disgraced last time out over 1500m in a stronger fillies and mares handicap field than this and after her two points lowered merit rating she is still only half-a-kilogram under sufferance with the best weighted. Anatura can’t be written off having run on from last for second place over this trip at Turffontein Standside on Saturday.   

Andrew Harrison

THE Gauteng raiders are in town with Dorrie Sham, Weiho Marwing, Tony Nassif and Clinton Binda all having runners at Hollywoodbets Greyville this afternoon.

The poly track may be the main attraction and their runners could leave the locals scratching for pennies in the shallow end of the purse if things go their way.

It’s not an easy card but Sham and Marwing could dominate the card opener as both of their runners come with promising form. Marwing’s filly Gin And Tonic is already having her fourth race and has the better time of the two. She has also beaten Sham’s runner Southern Cape who has only had two outings so can still improve a length or two. Local hopes will probably rest with Gavin van Zyl’s filly Crimson Causeway who was backed into the red on debut. She has had the benefit of a race around the turn and could repel the Highveld challenge.

Should Crimson Causeway obliged for Van Zyl, the Summerveld trainer could make it a quick double with Stanton Street. He has been struggling to win but his recent form over course and distance has been useful. Highveld raiders Sonny Quinn and Life Goes On will be threats. Sonny Quinn has consistent form over the trip and Marcus has been booked which is an indication of what the stable expects. Life Goes On is Clinton Binda’s only runner on the day. He was a distant second to what looks to be a useful sort on Al Sakeet. The blinkers have brought him on and he can finish in the money again.

Sham’s runner Zodiac Princess has gone close on many occasions but just not been able to crack it. She tries the poly and from a good draw and Marcus up she may be the one to be with. Van Zyl sends out Another Love who has shown her best on the poly but may have found her last start too far. From a good draw over this shorter trip she should be competitive. Miss Missouri and Bright Eyed Girl are others to consider.

In the first leg of the Jackpot, Flying Peter tries blinkers for the first time. He has been a beaten favourite on a number of occasions but over an ideal trip and a good draw he should go close. Deorsa is lightly raced and was a close-up second when favourite last time out. He looks the biggest threat to the selection. Of the others, Gimme A Rainbow appears to have come to hand after a much improved last run and from a plum draw can be right there while Story Book does not have the best of draws but his best recent effort has been over course and distance.

Koopa Troopa could possibly shape up as the card banker. Lezeanne Forbes’ filly made a smart debut over a similar trip at long odds. She makes her poly debut but a repeat should at least see her in the money. Simply Complicated has had three local outings and makes her poly debut. Marcus has been booked but she does look held by Koopa Troopa on their last meeting. Gypsy Magic has run one good race in six and that was at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and she is way better than her last run. With Kennedy booked for the ride from a shrewed stable, she is one for bigger perms.

The Bayou had the misfortune of being disqualified last run after an objection by the clerk of scales but he is in very good form and with Marcus booked for the ride he must have a bright chance of redeeming himself. Forbes holds a strong hand with recent maiden winners Origami and Fat Cigar. The Origami form has worked out well and he can go in again but so has the form of Fat Cigar and apprentice Kyle Strydom retains the ride.

The seventh is a seriously difficult fillies handicap. Justadoreher has run her best recent races on the poly and although she steps up a furlong in trip she does have the best of the draw. Irish Belle has been ridden without any restraint in all of her starts. She is super quick but if Muzi Yeni can get her to settle she can be super competitive in this field. Satara has come good of late after dropping in the handicap. She is slightly under sufferance but put in a smart piece of work on Monday and on current form should be a big runner again. Purple Nkanyezi has been taking on stronger of late and was not far back last time out while Aalsmeer and Not Now Pussycat are others to consider

In the last, Glitter And Gold won two on the bounce after her maiden win, both on the poly. That form has worked out well and her last narrow defeat came on the turf by the 66-1 shot Nikiya. That form is likely to be reversed on this surface. It Must Be Love was a close-up third in her handicap debut and she has run two of her best races on the poly. Beat It has been dropping in the ratings. She goes well this course and distance and is one to watch.

David Thiselton

VAUGHAN MARSHALL sends out two horses with proven class, Rascallion and Linebacker, and an outsider he is quietly confident about, Dubai Lights, in an attempt to land his second Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby on Saturday at Kenilworth ten years after he landed his first.

Marshall won the Cape Derby in 2011 with 22/1 outsider Top Seller, who was by the stallion who has been the foundation of his yard’s success, Al Mufti.

The latter was of course the sire of Captain Al, whom Marshall trained to Grade 1 glory and who later provided him with a number of Grade 1-winning sons and daughters. 

It is not surprising that both of Marshall’s chief runners on Saturday have the Al Mufti influence.

Rascallion, who is by Vercingetorix, is out of Jet Master mare Sofala, whose damsire is Al Mufti.

Linebacker is by a son of Captain Al, Captain Of All.

LInebacker, a big, long-striding individual, finished second last time out in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas. 

However, he does have a stamina doubt on pedigree for Saturday’s 2000m race.

Marshall said, “We are all in the same boat wondering whether he will get the trip but I hope his class carries him through.”

Captain Of All was a top class sprinter, but has thrown some horses who stay, for example Shango, who won the Dingaans and finished second in the SA Derby. 

Linebacker is out of Australian-bred Redoute’s Choice mare Thin Red Line, whose two career wins were both over 1000m, but she did race mainly over a mile and she also had a third over 1800m and a second over 2000m.    

In the Cape Guineas Linebacker was caught wide but still relaxed well and stayed all the way to the line. The run suggested he is easy to switch off and Grant van Niekerk, who replaces Donovan Dillon, will thus have hope he stays. However, he does have another tough draw of 12. 

Rascallion ran un unlucky third in the Cape Guineas, having had to be snatched up halfway down the straight when sandwiched between a couple of horses before rallying to finish just 2,75 lengths back.

Last time out in the Grade 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m he came from near the back to run a 2,75 length third. He was not finding as much as either the winner Kommetdieding or the runner up Legitimate at the line, but was wearing first-time blinkers that day and they have been dispensed with for the Derby.

He was running at level weights with Kommetdieding in the Politician and gave Legitimate 6kg.

Rascallion is by Vercingetorix, who appears to be all about speed, unlike his sire Silvano.

However, Rascallion’s dam Sofala should provide him with enough stamina as her six wins include five over 1800m and she also finished second once over 2600m. 

Marshall said, “I am not at all worried about him staying and think he is a big runner.”

He jumps from draw 4 and Anton Marcus retains the ride.

Dubai Lights is by Gimmethegreenlight out of the Marshall-trained Dubai Destination mare Dubai Gina, whose four wins include two races over 2400m and one of them was at Listed level. He has already proved he stays this trip but has a tough task on paper considering he was receiving 3kg from Kommetdieding in the Politician and was beaten 7,70 lengths. He also has to overcome a wide draw of ten.

However, Marshall was bullish and said, “He has been working very well at home and I would not be surprised if he finishes in the money.” Luke Ferraris rides.

Marshall was very happy with the preparations of all three runners and concluded, “I could not have them any better.”