Justin Snaith and his team have put a lot of work into their big L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate string and he is hoping for just rewards.

Snaith has gained a reputation for landing multiple winners on big race days, which included five winners at this meeting last year and a world record-breaking eight winners at last year’s J&B Met meeting.

Snaith has runners in all ten races. He commented on all of them.

First race, Workrider’s Maiden over 1200m: “These are amateur events and impossible to judge, but I am strong here. There is not much between Over Drive and Secret Idea, but Secret Idea is possibly the choice as he was disappointing last time and I expect improvement. He is the right type for a Workrider’s race as he travels well and is an easy ride. Varzen should also improve and could be in the shake up.”

Second race, Maiden Juvenile Plate for fillies over 1000m (Snaith had decided at the beginning of last season to no longer push his two-year-olds, but has made an exception this season for those two-year-olds who qualify for the R1 million two-year-old race on Sun Met day and they include his two contenders in this race): “Lacerta has shown good improvement and I expect her to go very close. Grizabell doesn’t have natural speed, but her work has been good and she could be a quartet horse.”

Third race, a MR 86 Handicap over 1600m (Snaith has the topweight Lineker, who ran a 1,5 length second to subsequent Grand Parade Cape Guineas winner William Longsword last time out on December 6): “Lineker came through and beat the rest of the field quite easily last time, so I think he will beat Union Jack again despite the weight turnaround. I am more worried about the rest of the field. It’s very competitive, but considering the form of that race he has to be in the shake up and could be the one to beat.”

Fourth race, the Gr 2 Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Handicap over 1800m: “It’s My Turn has only had one grass gallop since the July, so to finish second last time to Whisky Baron was a very good run. This is a much better trip, but the Met is his main aim. I am going under the radar with him until then, but he should run a good race. It Is Written is probably better on softer ground and we will see where we are with him, but this is maybe a bit strong. Krambambuli had a very good run last time (2^nd in the Sun International Premier Trophy over course and distance) and I expect a similar type of race. Star Chestnut will get the trip and is consistent. He could be the dark horse, but it’s very hard at this level.”

Fifth race, the Gr 3 Politician Stakes over 1800m: “Strathdon has been gelded and is a horse who I think has something to come. He has a beautiful stride and can run, he could surprise. King Of Rally has been running in PE, but is a very good looking horse and we will see where he stands.”

Sixth race, the Gr 1 Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes: “Bela-Bela had a very good comeback, I didn’t think I had her spot on, so I am expecting a good run here and am quietly confident. But watch out for Star Express. She is a 2000m horse and to have run so close to Bela-Bela over 1400m last time was a very big run. She can run and could even upset. Bela-Bela is the stable elect and is theoretically the better filly, but Star Express could be right there and if there are any hiccups with the grey filly she could win.”

Seventh race, the Gr 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate: “Fifty Cents won a stakes race last time, although he was a bit fortunate, and it is always great to be part of this unbelievable race. The owners will enjoy the moment.”

Eight race, the Gr 3 BMW Chairman’s Cup over 3200m, “Ovidio has a very big weight, but is a good stayer and there is no alternative race. He can carry 62,5kg, these staying races are not strong. Arezzo has been a bit disappointing, but gets the distance, so could surprise with his light weight.”

Ninth race, a Conditions Plate over 1400m for fillies and mares: “Red Light Girl ran in the Cape Fillies Guineas last time, but is much better suited to 1400m. With just 51kg on her back she has got to be a runner and should be in the shake-up. Fear Not has a lot of problems, so 1400m might be better for her now considering her niggles, although theoretically it’s on the short side. But it’s a very competitive race. ”

Tenth race,  a MR 88 Handicap over 1200m, “Cuban Emerald won well last time and is up to the new merit rating he has been given. Piere Strydom suits him well. Mutzi won a good race last time and I expect him to run well. He could be in the trifectas and quartets. I am a little worried the handicapper has reached Captain Courteous, but he was unlucky last time. There is not much in it, but Cuban Emerald could be the stable elect.”

By David Thiselton