The ARF Commemorative R1 million Gr1 Cape Derby brings the curtain down on the Gr1 programme for the 2019/20 Cape summer season at Kenilworth on Saturday.
The 2000m contest boasts a glittering honour roll of top-class winners and the 2020 renewal could unearth another gem.
Viva Rio beats Sir Michael – they meet again (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Glen Kotzen has the standout top-rated Viva Rio bidding to give him a third Cape Derby trophy and everything looks on track for the son of Oratorio after a near-perfect prep. While he was outpaced early in the Cape Guineas, Viva Rio was making ground on the winner Kilindini and he should be perfectly suited to the extra 400m on Saturday.
First of the Brett Crawford trio, King Of Gems threw the local classic picture into disarray with a flying late dash to win the Gr2 Concorde Cup in November, when cutting Sachdev down late to win by 0,30 lengths. The son of Kingsbarns failed to repeat that effort in the Cape Guineas when 3,75 lengths behind Viva Rio. He made a breathing noise last time when staying on behind Priceless Ruler. He is a tricky fellow to assess.
First of the Snaith duo, Normandy Stud-bred Silvano gelding Sachdev has shown himself to be very capable and may well be crying out for this ground after looking a bit flat-footed twice over the mile, when beaten in quality company.
Vaughan Marshall’s Cane Lime ‘N Soda has failed to assert himself at his last three feature outings, although he did have excuses in the Cape Guineas. He is held by Viva Rio on earlier form and the one encouragement is that Anton Marcus takes the ride again.
Brett Crawford – previous winner
Brett Crawford’s Parterre is one of only two horses in the field to have gone the 2000m previously – and the only winner over the trip. The son of Flower Alley stayed on without threatening in the Politician Stakes when beaten 4,50 lengths by Silver Host. He is, however, 3kgs better off with the Snaith kingpin. The dark horse in the race.
First of the Kannemeyer duo, Sir Michael has drawn wide and was beaten almost 5 lengths by Silver Host in the Politician Stakes. He comes in 3kgs better off and there is little between him and Viva Rio on their September clash.
The only filly in the race, Invisible is well held by Viva Rio on her penultimate run but did run on gamely for fourth behind Count Jack in the CTS 1600 last time.
Highly regarded Silver Host (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Drawn in pole position, Silver Host is highly regarded by his connections and confirmed the confidence with a smart win in the Politician Stakes last time. He did receive weight there and races at levels here. He has already been supported in the early Vodacom Durban July ante-post market so it will be prudent to disregard the official ratings in his case.
The most experienced runner in the line-up, Super Silvano has been a model of consistency and should get a lot closer to Silver Host on Saturday, than he did in the Politician Stakes.
Second of the Sean Tarry duo, On My Mind was well beaten in the CTS 1600 and is well and truly held by Viva Rio.
Rainbow Bridge and Hawwaam’s Philanthropist half-brother Golden Ducat is an interesting runner from a stable that trained their first Cape Derby winner over three decades ago.
Dean Kannemeyer – a decent coupling
Dean Kannemeyer’s beautifully-bred Flower Alley grey Azores is on a hat-trick after two hard fought victories in lower rated handicaps. He is the second of only two horses in the race to have tried the trip and must be a contender for quartets.
Its Complex was thrown into the deep end in the Gr3 Politician Stakes after an easy maiden victory at his fourth start, but failed to deliver, finishing just under six lengths off Silver Host. He does meet the Snaith runner on 1,5kgs better terms and as scope for plenty of improvement.
Viva Rio’s march to the Derby has mapped out perfectly and , while exposure is the key, we are siding with the son of Oratorio to hold Parterre and Silver Host. Sir Michael and Azores are decent quartet kicker material.
