The 2018/2019 Cape Summer Season will be remembered for many more thrills than spills in the years to come. Taking pride of place on Saturday as the sun sets on a memorable few months will be the R400 000 Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes.
Run at weight-for-age plus penalties of 2kgs for a Gr1 win and 1kg for a Gr2 success in the previous 18 months, the Diadem looks set to decide the Cape Champion Sprinter title for the season, with the high-class and vastly improved Kasimir heading the ratings.
Kasimir – looks to be the king of the summer speed scene
A winner of the Cape Flying Championship on Sun Met day and the Gr2 Merchants back in November, the Snaith’s 4yo son of Captain Al looks to have plenty in his favour to round off a purple patch. He appears to enjoy running down the inside rail at the Southern Suburbs track and from a 2 draw on Saturday, Richard Fourie will be able to ride him much like he did in the Cape Flying when he sat just off the heat and pounced late.
Brett Crawford’s smart Gr1 winner Bold Respect has been threatening to win again and he ran on best of the balance in the Cape Flying Championship when beaten 1,75 lengths by Kasimir. He may have a bigger say over the extra 200m.
Bold Respect – place cheque
Last season’s Cape Merchants winner Silicone Valley is very effective this course and distance but has not run in 43 weeks since winning a Pinnacle over the track and trip. The others could have the edge in terms of race readiness.
The talented Dutch Philip has not won in over a year and has been something of a disappointing 4yo. He was well beaten 4,75 lengths in the Cape Flying Championship but may find the extra 200m in his favour and must have a shout at best. Ryan Munger takes the ride.
Second of the Crawford runners, Search Party was beaten 2,25 lengths into third in the Cape Flying but meets Kasimir on 2kgs better terms on Saturday. That must give the 6yo a chance of earning again.
Our personality of the week Sean Tarry has two solid performers carrying his flag.
Chimichuri Run was well beaten in the CTS 1600 behind One World but reverts back to the sprints and Anton Marcus takes the reins. He has shown excellent ability over 1200m.
Trip To Heaven – will strip fit
His perennially dawdling stablemate Trip To Heaven was slow away in the Cape Flying but was gaining smartly at the finish when beaten into fifth and only 2,40 lengths off Kasimir. The son of Trippi should strip at peak fitness at his third run post an injury enforced layoff, and will enjoy the breathing space of the extra 200m.
Speedpoint has proven slightly inconsistent but gets a 2kg pull with Kasimir after being beaten just under 5 lengths in the Cape Flying Championship. Aldo Domeyer (traditionally Dutch Philip’s pilot) takes a rare ride for the Ramsden team.
The balance look unlikely on recent form.
The gallant Sergeant Hardy is well held by stablemate Kasimir and has not been at his peak for some time now.
Much the same applies to Sand And Sea, who has been abandoned by Anton Marcus in favour of Chimichuri Run, while Attenborough and the veteran Tevez would both be shock winners.
Elusive Trader ran out of his skin over the course and distance in the CTS 1200 when beaten 3,50 lengths by Cirillo to earn a nice cheque in second. This looks a lot tougher.
Another 3yo, Russet Air is the third of the Bass-Robinson trio. He takes a massive jump in class after dead heating in a lower division handicap on Met day.
Kasimir looks all set to settle the summer speed score and he could be good enough to withstand the late challenge of the dangerous Trip To Heaven, with Bold Respect and Chimichuri Run further back.
