Saturday’s Grand Parade Cape Guineas looks like being run at a searching gallop as the Mayfair Speculators team try to tee things up for probable favourite Table Bay.

Supplementary entry A New Dawn, who made the running in the Selangor, is to do the same job only faster and Derek Brugman said: “We want a very strong pace so that he (Table Bay) can sit further back.”

Anton Marcus, whose previous winning partners include Jay Peg and Variety Club, reckoned he might have sat too close too the pace in last month’s test.

But I Travel Light, the third Ramsden runner and only first reserve at the moment, was put into the race last Wednesday because he had gone close to Selangor winner Gold Standard on the latter’s previous start at Fairview.

Glen Kotzen, though, is bullish about Gold Standard’s chance and his optimism is buoyed by both the stable’s present form – two more winners on Saturday – and that of the colt’s jockey. Richard Fourie followed up Friday’s Fairview four-timer with three more on Saturday – one for Kotzen and two for Shane Humby.

Kotzen said: “Gold Standard is doing great and absolutely flying. He has cracked at decent draw (seven) and we are very excited. Look at the time of the Selangor (less than second outside Legislate’s course record). It was a proper-run race.”

But there are some notable absentees from the Guineas – in particular Our Mate Art and Grade 1 winner Always In Charge with Vaughan Marshall reporting about the latter: “He was never going to run drawn 19 – I wasn’t going to risk him.”

Plans are “undecided” but Our Mate Art has the Investec Cape Derby as his new target. “He got a very hard knock when he was cut into in the Selangor. We had him x-rayed and found he had chipped a piece of splint bone,” said Candice Bass-Robinson who reports that Sun Met favourite Marinaresco is fine after his great Green Point run. “Our Mate Art is on antibiotics at the moment but he is in light work.”

Carry On Alice pleased Sean Tarry after failing by only half a length to peg back 22-1 all-the-way scorer Jo’s Bond in the CTS Southern Cross Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.

“I thought she might just need it,” said the champion trainer. “There are two races for her before the Cape Flying Championship – the Diadem and the Sceptre – but I just might leave it at this. We will see.”

Real Princess, only fifth, goes for the Sceptre on January 6 when Dean Kannemeyer believes that the extra furlong will be just what she needs. Grant Behr reported: “I was right behind the winner but mine was then caught a bit flat-footed. She needs the 1 200m.”

Justin Snaith dismissed all suggestions of a Sceptre rematch with the winner, saying: “Jo’s Bond is a 1 000m horse and that is the trip she likes,” but rider Donovan Dillon came up with the quote of the day – “The Snaiths have often given me a bone but luckily there was a bit of meat on this one.”

Tarry has a string of 12 at Milnerton including two-year-olds and the first of these to run at Kenilworth was Jay Peg’s half-brother Barrack Street who readily justified 18-10 favouritism under S’Manga Khumalo in the Snaith Racing Maiden. “We can now get a line,” commented Tarry.

The Vaughan Marshall Racing Maiden Juvenile took more than four minutes to load with Jacinda, and Lacerta in particular, increasingly threatening to upset the others and afterwards Derek Brugman issued a heartfelt plea to the starter, saying: “You can’t have juveniles standing in the pens for nearly five minutes – that can ruin a horse’s whole career. It should be two tries and ‘sorry, that’s it.’”

Most owners and trainers will, I am sure, take the same view. Dennis Drier, who won the race with the heavily-backed and appropriately named Bank On It (Sean Veale), confirmed that Miss Frankel is on target to make her much-awaited debut next month.

There are three Frankel fillies and a colt in next month’s CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale. All are from Southern Hemisphere coverings and are sold by Klawervlei whose boss John Koster said: “We bought the mares in the UK, put them in foal and then brought them out here. “ Klawervlei are also selling ten Rock Of Gibraltar yearlings plus a filly by the now-dead American sire sensation Scat Daddy.

By Michael Clower

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER SCOTTSVILLE FIRST TIMER COMMENTS

MIKE MILLER
Race 1 – ARGO MAGIC (1): A nice horse – shows plenty at home.
Race 1 – ROYAL EXPLORER (2): Is very quick but I think could be a bit green.
Race 3 – HERE COMES BOB (12): Will need the experience but does have a good draw and is showing me nice work at home.
Race 3 – MIDNIGHT MAN (13): Shows good work at home but does have a bit of a bad draw to overcome.

DOUG CAMPBELL
Race 1 – THE GREY CRUSADER (3): A nice horse – will more than likely need the experience and needs gelding. I am hoping he runs a place.

KOM NAIDOO
Race 1 – UNCLE RONNIE (4): A nice horse, if not too green, will run into the money.
Race 1 – TRINI’S VAR HYT (7): Speedy, if not too green, will run a good race.

LOWAN DENYSSCHEN
Race 2 – LITTLE MISS JET (9): A small filly but she tries very hard. I am hoping she runs a reasonable race.

YOGAS GOVENDER
Race 2 – LOVE LYRIC (10): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.

MICHAEL ROBERTS
Race 2 – PINK PALACE (12): Too short and will improve with this run under the belt.

CHRIS ERASMUS
Race 1 – EASY PEASY (5): Will be green and need the run.

LIZANNE FORBES
Race 1 – PURDEY (6): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.
Race 2 – ROY IS FIRST (13): Trainer could not be contacted for comment.

PAUL GADSBY
Race 2 – DIAMONDS FOREVER (7): A nice filly but is a bit mad! If she gets to the start she will have a chance but she is a difficult filly and not easy to ride.
Race 2 – SARABI (14): A very nice filly (a half-sister to Miss Varlicious) but she will probably need just one run!

WAYNE BADENHORST
Race 2 – FASHION DISPLAY (8): A nice filly – showing some nice work at home and if not too green and the distance too short, she could win!

WENDY WHITEHEAD
Race 2 – SPIRIT BIRD (16): Has some speed and will run well if she is not in too much need of the run.
Race 3 – DINO’S DELIGHT (10): He needs further, closer to 2000m.

CRAIG EUDEY
Race 3 – SIGHT DRAFT (4): A nice horse but I am expecting him to be a bit green.

MARK DIXON
Race 3 – PRIME SUSPECT (14): A nice horse but will need the experience.
Race 4 – RAPUNZEL (13): Will need further.

DES EGDES
Race 4 – FIRST ANTHEM (11): Will be green, looking for further but she is a classic type filly, a nice filly but will need racing experience.

Scottsville (Inside Track) Sun Dec 11 Race Previews by Andrew Harrison

Race 1

All first timers.

Race 2
Preview: Many first timers but of those that have run VARISCITE makes a comeback after a lengthy break but has improved with each outing and was a close-up second last start. She can go one better. OYSTER POND was disappointing on the poly after making a fair debut. Back on turf she can make amends. DAMALI made a promising debut but disappointed next time out in a weak field. Can do better. BEAU VAR has run her best races over course and distance and can improve on her last poly effort. Keep an eye on the market. (Andrew Harrison: 3-11-1-6).

Race 3
Preview: WILD WICKET has been gelded. He has shown some ability and can feature here. RACE MASTER has not been too far back in two sprints. He should prefer this trip. SCARRABEAST has a difficult draw but was a close-up second on the poly last time out and if carrying that form onto the turf must have a big chance. STORM OUTGOING has shown some ability with his new stable and can finish in the money. Keep a close eye on the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 6-15-5-7).

Race 4
Preview: CAPTAINS MOLL showed promise early in her career. She was a promising second last outing and has the best of the draw. PIPPIN has had no luck with her draws and is again drawn wide. But she has shown some promise on this course and Marcus rides. BURNT CHERRY found market support on her poly debut but was green. She should come on with the experience and the extra should suit.  Mark Dixon looks to have two runners with chances in the luckless DUNDRUM and DIAMANTE. The latter may prove the better of the two. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-9-10).

Race 5
Preview: DEEP DOWN REBEL ran well below best when sent to Jo’Burg for a feature. She has excellent form over this course and distance and should go close. RESPECT AT BAY also goes well over course and distance and has Marcus aboard. She should go close. HALLOWED SPRING was an easy maiden winner last start but has been thumped by the handicappers. She could find this tough going. FLY PEG FLY is another that ran below her best form last time out but was up against a strong field with an inexperienced apprentice aboard.  (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-5-2).

Race 6
Preview: Wide open handicap. MONTE CHRISTO finally got is act together when winning last time out over further. Has still has scope for improvement and with the blinkers on he can go in again. HIGHWAY EXPLORER has improved in blinkers and has gone close over course and distance. He scored in a useful field last start and is another that can follow up. SEA URCHIN has been lightly raced but has ability. He was much improved in blinkers when winning and has a chance again.

ROY’S AIR FORCE found plenty of traffic when running on late last Sunday. He is quite badly out at the weights but that was a good last effort. AL CIBERANO hardly ever runs a bad race but tends to lack extra under pressure. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-7-14).

Race 7
Preview: Another difficult handicap with a big field so luck in running will be crucial. Many of the more fancied runners have drawn wide to add to the puzzle. NICKLAUS lost his last race in the boardroom and seldom runs a bad race. He has a tricky draw but should be thereabouts. RUN RHINO RUN finally got his act together when a narrow winner. He is not the easiest of rides but has ability. GOLDEN FORT has been close-up at his last two and has a light weight. LAST TIGER has a coffin draw with top weight but can still feature. Not a race to go light in the exotics. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-12-1).

Race 8
Preview: SUN ON AFRICA has had three outings this term and should be at his peak now. He last win was over course and distance. CRIME VICTIM did not have the best of luck on the Highveld and is much better than his last effort. At best he will have a strong chance. OPEN HEIR goes for his fourth win on the bounce but has crept up the handicap and his run could come to an end here. DELIRIOUS NOMAD is at the bottom of the handicap This is his third run after a break and he looks ready to show his best. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-11-4).

Race 9
Preview: ST ELMO’S FIRE has her third run after a break. She is in good form and rates a strong chance. DRESS FOR SUCCESS won well first up out of the maidens and has done well since being stepped up in trip. She gets 4kg off her back and she could prove classy enough to go in again. MODERNISTA was a beaten favourite last run but not far behind. She has been consistent but has a difficult draw. ROY’S TWILIGHT has consistent form. She can do better over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 6-1-5-8).

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER KENILWORTH FIRST TIMER COMMENTS

GLEN PULLER
Race 1 – BUBZEE GIRL (3): Shows a bit of pace, is fit and well and if not too green – hoping she will run well.
Race 3 – XIBELANI (16): A nice filly, I have a little bit of hope with her, she has a lovely action but might need the experience and a touch further.

MARGOT STEYN
Race 3 – JASON’S SISTER (6): Quite precocious but could be green and need the run.

VAUGHAN MARSHALL
Race 1 – COSMIC DUST (5): Needs further.
Race 1 – ELSIE VEE (8): Is quick and in with a chance.
Race 1 – MADE THE GRADE (12): She will need further.
Race 2 – THE BORDER WAR (7): Shows speed but will be better over 1000m.
Race 2 – SUNDAY FALLS (6): Shows speed but will be better over 1000m.

PIET STEYN
Race 1 – DISCO WARRIOR (6): I am expecting a fair run.
Race 1 – JACINDA (10): I am expecting a fair run.

GLEN KOTZEN
Race 1 – SHERULESTHEWORLD (14): Is not a bad little filly but will need this experience as she is still a touch on the soft side.

GREG ENNION
Race 1 – STREAM OF KINDNESS (15): Will be scratched.
Race 2 – ZODIAC JACK (9): A nice colt but will be better over 1000m.
Race 2 – REGAL RUBY (11): A nice filly – I have gone with the fillies weight allowance and the claiming apprentice weight against the boys. She is very quick and if jumping well will be there.

BRETT CRAWFORD
Race 2 – BOLD RESPECT (3): Working well and if not too green, can place.

JONO SNAITH FOR JUSTIN SNAITH
Race 1 – LACERTA (11): Quite speedy at home and could run into the money.
Race 2 – LIBRA (10): A nice filly but taking on very strong colts.
Race 2 – THE JUDICATOR (8): Could need his first run.

HAROLD CRAWFORD
Race 3 – JEANS SONG (7): A nice filly but could be green and need the run.

ANDRE NEL
Race 3 – KNOW THE ROPES (9): Will more than likely be scratched. Keep an eye on the card changes closer to the time.
Race 3 – SILK TRIP (15): Not a bad filly and she could run a good race as she shows some speed.

MIKE ROBINSON
Race 3 – MISS MYMONEY (11): A small filly but she is very quick however she might need the experience.

Kenilworth (New Course) Sat Dec 10 Race Previews by Warren Lenferna

Race 1
Preview: Majority first timers – watch the betting and keep an eye on the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 2
Preview: All runners are making their debut – watch the betting and keep a close eye on the first timer comments from the trainers. (Warren Lenferna)

Race 3
Preview: GEOGRAPHE BAY made a smart debut a month ago finishing third – she was green but certainly caught the eye and with natural improvement can win. There are many unraced horses in the race – keep an eye on the betting and the first timer comments. (Warren Lenferna 5-14-1)

Race 4
Preview: PILLAR OF HERCULES has solid form and rates the one to beat. The Andre Nel pair should give plenty of cheek all the way home. LA FAVOURARI and OVAR have good form and ability. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-4)

Race 5
Preview: RED GRANITE has improved with each run and should take a power of beating – she improved over the 1400m last time and gets the same trip again today. STUNNING SEED returns from a rest but has the improving form to be concerned in the finish if not in too much need of the outing. AMAZINGLY tries blinkers which could make all the difference and it would be foolish to leave her out the quartet. (Warren Lenferna 2-3-4)

Race 6
Preview: PARTY CRASHER ran way below best last time – felt amiss by the jockey and was checked by the vets and nothing wrong was found. It will be best to draw a line through that run and she can bounce right back to best. Her stable is in mustard form at the moment and she has a winning chance. PRIMROSE LANE and KRYPTONITE have to be included – their form is good. (Warren Lenferna 6-3-2)

Race 7
Preview: SOMMERLIED took over and drew off in the closing stages of the race last time to win in the manner of a very good horse! She impressed me and I will be rather shocked if she does not go on and reel off the hat trick. TRIPPI’S GIRL ran well enough last time behind Sail but takes a drop in distance which could be the right move for now – massive runner. AL DANZA is lightly raced, ran a cracker to She’s A Giver last time and deserves respect. (Warren Lenferna 3-7-5)

Race 8
Preview: The defending champion CARRY ON ALICE lines up here and she looks to be very hard to beat. She is the best weighted in the race by many points and to call a spade a spade – should win. REAL PRINCESS is a top mare as well and was a touch unlucky last time. She became cramped for galloping room and when finding a split took off like an e-type rocket. She has a big chance and this looks to be the exacta of the year! ANIME has a place chance. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-10)

Race 9
Preview: GYRE is knocking very hard at the door and looks ready to go one better now. KENNY TRIX is so consistent that she always has to be given a chance – strong each way chance. THE SLADE is progressive and should be involved. (Warren Lenferna 2-4-3)

Race 10
Preview: Trainer Brett Crawford holds a strong hand here. ARABIAN DYNASTY has the form to be very competitive. He was a bit disappointing last time when beaten odds on favourite but he can make amends today. Stable mate GOLD COAST CAPTAIN should once again run well but one gets the impression that Arabian Dynasty has more scope. BARAK LAVAN has a strong place chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-2)