Kinaan, third behind Hermoso Mundo and Captain Splendid in the SABC Gold Vase on Vodacom Durban July day, can turn the tables on his rivals when he goes a furlong extra in the Gr3 eLAN Gold Cup at Greyville on Sunday.
Kinaan (Nkosi Hlophe)
The two-day Gold Cup Festival of Racing kicks off tomorrow with the Gr1 World Sports Betting Champions Cup and runs into a 10-race card on Sunday that includes the Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes, fitting end to the current racing season.
Many of the exotic bet pools have been boosted by carry-overs, so in all it will be a tempting weekend for punters.
Kinaan, third beaten little more than a length by stable companion Enaad in last year’s Cup, has not won a race in a year-and-a-half which is not a great recommendation in itself but on the other hand, he comes into Sunday’s race with half a kilo less to carry than last year – given that Callan Murray makes the weight – and off a fine preparation.
The Vase was his third run after a break and he was running on strongly come the home straight to finish third. He meets Hermoso Mundo on 2kg better terms and the demoted Captain Splendid on the same terms.
Murray, now with international experience after a stint in Hong Kong, and a recent outing on the gelding, could have the upper hand this time around.
Krambambuli (Nkosi Hlophe)
The Gold Cup has always been the target for Royal Badge and Adam Marcus appears to have timed the gelding’s preparation to perfection. He has improved with every outing since arriving in KZN and now steps out over what appears to be his optimum trip with a competitive weight.
Krambambuli was given little chance by most pundits in the July but was only run out of it late, finishing under a length back to Marinaresco. He has some excellent form over ground but does have to shoulder top weight.
The mare Trophy Wife will more than likely be off to stud after Sunday but after knocking on the door for some time, finally got it right with a fine win in the Queen Palm Stakes over 2400m. This will be her first attempt at 3200m, but she is a class act and that could tell in the final analysis.
Banner Hill and The Elmo Effect strike as lively outsiders but Kinaan is a fairly confident selection.
Desert Rhythm will be attempting to sew up an Equus Award as Champion two-year-old filly when she runs in the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes but Lady In Black and Folk Dance could make things tough.
Sean Tarry, having the season of his life, could pull off a Gr1 double with Captain And Master in the Premiers Champion Stakes. The colt was decidedly unlucky behind stable companion Purple Diamond in the Golden Horseshoe and given some luck in running over a more suitable trip, he looks good enough to turn the tables.
By Andrew Harrison
