Joey Ramsden and S’manga Khumalo hit a nice patch of form at Kenilworth last Saturday and the duo can make their presence felt with the Gimmethegreenlight filly Rose In Bloom in today’s R250 000 Gr3 Prix Du Cap.
Ramsden won this race in 2017 with the top-class Just Sensual and he had the consistent Rose In Bloom run second last year. The 4yo has strengthened notably this term after earning something of a bridesmaid tag as a 3yo. Following fair efforts in the Sceptre Stakes and the Majorca – her only two home starts this season – the SP top rated filly looks set for a big run on Saturday.
Rose In Bloom – stronger as a 4yo and can go close (JC Photos)
The race is run at weight-for-age plus penalties and includes a host of the usual suspect hardknockers in the fairer sex ranks.
Goodtime Gal who races under bnew ownership, has not won a race in 16 months but is a dangerous galloper on her day and particularly lethal over the 1400m. She faded right out in the Majorca Stakes last time but will be more competitive here.
The 2018 Diana Stakes winner Love To Boogie has drawn wide and is another who comes in here off an unplaced effort in the Majorca Stakes. The smart daughter of Trippi would have a shout if getting lucky from her wide gate.
Love To Boogie won the Diana Stakes – widely drawn here (Chase Liebenberg)
Drawn at pole position, Glen Kotzen’s Too Phat To Fly comes in here off two tough races in the Merchants and the Sceptre Stakes. The daughter of Bezrin could appreciate the trip again and must go into quartets.
Miss Katalin – one of four Snaith runners – was reported not striding out in the Paddock Stakes and had some good form prior to that. She has proven effective this trip and must go into all calculations.
Miss Katalin has plenty of ability (Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Recent Fairview Lady’s Bracelet winner Platinum Class is the mount of Snaith stable jockey Richard Fourie and is an improving sort who could challenge at best.
Dynamic Diana has pulled a wide draw and has had a very quiet season so far.
Fourth of the Snaith quartet, Red Ginger does not boast the form to threaten the top three.
The 2018 Laisserfaire Stakes winner Anime has not shown a her two most recent starts in the Southern Cross Stakes and the Sceptre Stakes. The daughter of Count Dubois had form over Saturday’s trip earlier on and has chance if she can beat her draw.
Dean Kannemeyer’s lightly raced R2,5 million Trippi filly Sugar Girl comes off a 14 week break and is a difficult filly to assess. She could be a lot better than her rating suggests and could find place money.
Brett Crawford saddles two runners in Shamrock Wind and Love Supreme.
The latter is drawn wide and has been slightly disappointing after starting her career with promise. Shamrock Wind should be a lot more comfortable in her own sex company again after running 9,45 lengths behind Cirillo in the CTS 1200. She is yet to win beyond the sprints but is highly regarded by her trainer and could be the dark horse.
Varsity Lover ran unplaced in both the Sceptre and the CTS 1200. She steps back up in ground and has a wide draw to overcome.
Steffi’s Graft steps up in class after winning two low-key sprint handicaps on the trot. She is well drawn and goes the distance – but has plenty to do off her rating.
Hailing from an in-form stable, the capable Rose In Bloom should be strong enough to beat this lot and she is the selection to hold Goodtime Gal and Love To Boogie.
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Gr3 Prix Du Cap (SAf-Gr3)
Kenilworth, South Africa, February 23, R250k, 1400m, turf, good, 1.25.06
1 – ROSE IN BLOOM (SAF), 59.0, b f 4, Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Raise The Bar (SAF) by Goldkeeper (USA). Owner Mr B P & Mrs K Finch; Breeder Ridgemont Stud; trainer J Ramsden; jockey S Khumalo
2 – Anime (SAF), 59.0, b m 5, Count Dubois (GB) – Rei Rei (SAF) by Doowaley (IRE)
3 – Platinum Class (SAF), 59.0, b f 4, Silvano (GER) – Express Queen (SAF) by Jet Master (SAF)
Margins: 0.40, 1.25, 0.20
