Graeme Hawkins
Zapatillas returns to racing action at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the seventh race today, the R165000 Cape A Stakes over 1400m, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery as a result of an injury sustained in the Champions Cup (Gr 1) on 30 July 2023.
“He is doing well at home but there is a chance he may be a little “ring-rusty”,” trainer Brett Crawford advised when I contacted him during the week. “He has had one grass gallop and has done a lot of work on the treadmill coming into the race tomorrow, and his vital signs are all positive,” he added. “But, there is always the possibility he could just need the run,” he warned. Clearly as a former winner of the WSB Guineas in 2022, Zapatillas is the class package in the race, is very well handicapped and has pole position as an added advantage. Stable jockey, Louis Mxothwa, has opted to partner the son of Master Of My Fate but Crawford suggested that both stable companions, Future Prince and Port Louis, are very much “alive” in a highly competitive event.
Port Louis has been runner-up in his last two starts behind the talented sorts, Rascallion and Coastal Commander. He is probably at his very best over this track and trip but does have a tricky draw to contend with. Future Prince has been knocking at the door but the three-time winner has been absent from the winner’s circle for 817 days, no doubt much to the frustration of his connections. That said, he must have a chance of breaking the drought tomorrow with just 54kgs to shoulder.
But while Crawford clearly holds a very strong hand, there are a number of others who could spoil his party. San Pedro rises in class but he has enjoyed a good season thus far and with the very low weight of 52,5kgs could lead them all a merry dance. That, coupled with the fact that Vaughan Marshall and Ashton Arries are in very good form, suggests that you cannot ignore San Pedro when it comes to formulating your exotic permutations.
Wecangoallnight is another who is capable of rising to the challenge over this track and trip. He does occasionally throw in a below-par effort, but on top form would have a chance of troubling the best of them here. Two runs back Wecangoallnight beat Café Culture by just over a length but is now 2kgs worse off and the swing in the weights should bring them closer together. Richard Fourie takes the ride on Café Culture and the combination warrant utmost respect, although both Wecangoallnight and Café Culture could be held by Port Louis.
Sugar Mountain is interesting. He is unbeaten four-from-four over the course and distance but returns from a disappointing raid on the Highveld. Chatting to Candice Bass-Robinson, she is concerned that, although he has recovered nicely from his foray to Turffontein, he may well just need this run. But if one is going to play wide in this leg then, given Sugar Mountain’s form over the track and the trip, it would be silly to leave him out of yourcalculations. Another with an outstanding record over the Kenilworth 1400m is Silver Operator. He has not been seen since January and will find it tough with 61,5kgs to shoulder from the worst of the draw but, as the only “millionaire” in the race, victory would not come as a complete surprise. We’re Jamming hinted at a return to form last time and rates an upset chance from a handy draw.
To summarise, the outcome of this very intriguing contest hinges on Zapatillas. He is weighted to win comfortably, but returning from a ten-month absence levels the playing field somewhat and it may be wise to hedge your bets.
Be Merry appeals as a potential banker in the opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200m. The 2yo daughter of Lancaster Bomber has shown terrific promise in her first two starts and could have the edge over the well-tried Charlene and Ellorix, both of which bring consistent maiden form into the race. Stu’s Girl could be the improver in this line-up, but I am going to take my chances with Be Merry.
Hampstead Heath and Plum Pudding renew rivalry in the eighth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 1800m, and on past form hat-trick seeking Plum Pudding may once again have the measure of Adam Marcus’ runner. A bigger threat to Plum Pudding could be Summer Night City who brings good form into the race and is now 4kgs better off with Plum Pudding for a two-length beating last month. I am hoping this trio will prove sufficient to carry us through.
Marshall Field was penalised 3kgs for his last win but he could follow up in the ninth race, a Class 4 Handicap over 2000m. One has to respect the consistent Sudden Song, recent maiden winners Daimyo and Blue Bay and the ratings-dropper Diamond Rock, but Marshall Field may have more to come and is a fairly confident selection to win the final race on the programme.