Clear skies with a light south easterly breeze will greet the return to Kenilworth on Saturday, with two cracking 3yo features set to launch the classic road for a few of the progressive locals.
The Justin Snaith and Candice Bass-Robinson yards hold the upper hand in the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championhip in pure numbers, with ten of the twelve runners between them.
Top-rated Princess Calla – first time on left handed turn (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The race is run on the Kenilworth winter course 1400m, and with no Gr1 or Gr2 winners in the race, they race at level weights.
While Snaith and Bass-Robinson arrive in numbers, it is Milnerton-based Adam Marcus who holds the possible trump with the top-rated Princess Calla.
She stayed on smartly in the Gr1 Thekwini for third at her last start and if she takes to the left-handed turn, she could be the one to beat.
First of the Snaith quartet and the mount of Richard Fourie, Dazzling Sun won her maiden in good style and returns from a 12 week break.
Justin Snaith says that she oozes class back home but now has to prove it on the track. “She has a poor draw but with some luck she can hopefully prove herself to be a Guineas prospect in a very open event,” said the Cape champion.
Trickster – not much between her and Princess Calla on last run (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Stablemate Trickster finished 0.3 lengths behind Princess Calla last time and with a good draw she could well turn the tables.
“She has terrific form and is doing amazing things back home. Include in all bets despite an open field,” says Justin.
Justin tells that Major Attraction goes for three on the trot but takes a huge jump in class.
“She is extremely athletic and has a bright future ahead of her. She certainly deserves respect,” he suggests.
Veronica Mars – game as they come (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The fourth of the Snaith quartet is Veronica Mars who has yet to run a bad race and her form is excellent. “Expect a gallant effort from this game daughter of Legislate,” concludes her trainer.
While she can’t win it on paper, it would be folly to discount Anton Marcus’ mount Two Pennies, a fluent winner at her Durbanville debut earlier this month.
Recent debut winner Two Pennies – could be anything (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The daughter of Dynasty impressed and while stepping up dramatically in class, she can give Cape Champion owners Ridgemont a flying start to the summer season.
The false rail is set at 1m out from the 1700m with a 2m spur at the 470m mark.
