“I hope they show their true worth,” said Drier.

Captain Of All is a very speedy Captain Al colt and led virtually from pillar to post when winning the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville as a two-year-old. In his next start in the Gr 1 Golden Horseshoe over1400m at Greyville it was probably only the sticky going that cost him victory as he looked all over the winner until running out of steam and being caught on the line by Forest Indigo and Kochka. He next appeared in November last year in a Graduation Plate over 1200m at Kenilworth and turned it into a procession, winning by 2,5 lengths. However, he has been off for more than a year since then having suffered stifle problems and a “joint hiccup”. However, Drier has taken him to Kenilworth for a gallop and is very happy with his well being and fitness.

He said, “He may need it, but I hope not.”

Stable jockey Sean Cormack will ride Captain Of All, who has to carry topweight of 61kg.

Captain On The Run is also a four-year-old by Captain Al. He disappointed a couple of times as a colt, but appears to have turned the corner since being gelded about a year ago. He had two good wins after gelding and with blinkers on, but after a below par run the blinkers were removed and he then went close next time out over 1200m at Clairwood in a competitive Pinnacle Stakes race. His only run since then has been on the poly and he returns from a 109 day rest. However, he will be carrying only 52,5kg and has in form Corné Orffer up, so should be competitive.

Crescendo beat the useful Flyfirstclass at Clairwood over 1200m the last time he went down the straight. An interesting formline from that race is that he beat Hunting Horn by 2,35 lengths when receiving only 0,5kg, while Captain Of All beat the latter just over a year ago by 2,5 lengths over 1200m when giving him 2,5kg. As Crescendo is receiving 7kg from Captain Of All, that particular formline puts him ahead of the latter. However, on jockey arrangements Crescendo appears to be the yard third string in the race. Crescendo is a resolute galloper and should love the tough Kenilworth straight course. Anthony Andrews is up and this horse should never be underestimated.

Meanwhile, Drier has abandoned the Gr 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas plan for his top class Var colt Generalissimo.

“He doesn’t stay,” admitted Drier, reflecting on his Selangor Cup run over 1600m in which he faded out in the straight after being keen early.

He felt he was “too young” to take part in the Gr 1 Betting World Cape Flying Championship over 1000m on January 24, but hadn’t ruled out the possibility completely.

Pictures: Nkosi Hlophe