Glenton looks the likely improver in a race lacking serious depth
Cape trainers have dominated the R350 000 Gr3 East Cape Derby in recent years and they are back in numbers again at Fairview on Sunday with nine of the fifteen runners. Justin Snaith trained last year’s winner True Master and he saddles five horses this time round.
The 2014 renewal is a very competitive event but who’s fooling who when it comes down to the overall quality of the field, which is frankly rather disappointing.
Missing In Action
No Joey Ramsden. No Dean Kannemeyer. No Paddy Kruyer, this year.
There are some real moderates in the line up, who look to just be making up the numbers and the highest rated horse is Snaith’s local resident Swedish King, who runs off an 84. None of the other fourteen are rated above 80.
Consider the fact that Justin won it last year with a Cape horse in True Master who ran off a 90, but with a 94, 92 and 91 in the field. Taking into account that the PE population was reduced by six MR points effective 2 December 2013, then maybe that accounts to a degree for the overall perception.
Disappointingly True Master has never won another race but that detracts in no way from the possible winner of this year’s race and Snaith could well be the man to follow.
Approval Ratings
Scott Bro’s stallion Miesque’s Approval is stamping his authority all over the place and he looks set for a big weekend.
His son Swedish King is a consistent knocker on the polytrack and is now a 4 time winner from 13 starts. His confidence has grown since leaving the turf but he looks set for a big run from a 1 draw. He is 2kgs better off King Of Indians on their last clash, but the turf could naturally be a leveller.
His stablemate Glenton is way out on the handicap but won his maiden early and looked very promising. He has only managed one win but ran a fair second in the Listed Ibhayi Stakes behind the above average Chestnut’s Rocket, who ran unplaced in Saturday’s KRA Guineas.
Glenton is drawn right alongside Swedish King and could appreciate the test of stamina.
Stayer
Vaughan Marshall’s PE strike rate is first class
Vaughan Marshall has a great strike rate in PE this season and e comes to town with the promsing stayer, Desert Swirl.
The gelded son of Second Empire has won two races and definitely stays the trip. He raised eyebrows last time with a cracking third over a mile, behind Paolo who contests Sunday’s Winter Guineas at Kenilworth.
Gavin Smith’s consistent King Of Indians is the second of Fred Crabbia’s runners (after Swedish King) and while 2kgs worse off with Swedish King ran on well enough last time over 2000m to suggest he could be a factor at 2400m. He ran a solid enough third in the Ibhayi Stakes.
Bestseller
Gavin Blake will saddle the Mullins Bay gelding A Time To Kill for Mike Bass.
The less esteemed half brother to July winner Dunford was narrowly beaten by Paddy Kruyer’s Global Destiny over 2000m at Durbanville last time.
On a line through Global Destiny, who finished just 4,85 lengths behind the promising Power King in Sunday’s Winter Guineas, A Time To Kill can’t finish too far behind here if he travels well.
Darryl Hodgson makes a rare trip to PE with the handsome grey Judpot gelding Itstartedwithakiss, who won his maiden at his penultimate start. He has not pulled a great draw, but could be anything.
Grant Paddock’s Argonaut gelding Cinderfella has only polytrack form to recommend him and his turf runs were poor.
Plus For Filly?
Glen Kotzen has engaged Stuart Randolph to ride the only filly in the race.
Skysign is a consistent daughter of Judpot and was ridden from the front on the polytrack at her last start. She is 6,5kgs better off with a Time To Kill for just under a two length beating at Durbanville and if we rate the Bass horse, she must come into it.
But we may be stretching things.
Prawns In PE
Prawns On The Bay
Fairview Racecourse will again play host to the Recall Security East Cape Derby weekend which kicks off on Friday 9 May and promises to be better than ever with the introduction of some exciting elements.
It is all about giving back on Friday, 9 May as the Community Chest will host their annual Eastern Cape charity race meeting in aid of the upgrade of the day care crèches they facilitate. An action packed race card which includes the Epol Dahlia Plate will keep race goers thoroughly entertained.
Sunday, 11 May will see The Bay’s first ever Prawn Festival take place, show stopping prices will ensure the whole family can partake in the festivities (R69 for a half a kilo of prawns).
Entry to the course is free and other than top quality racing, the crowds will be treated to live entertainment throughout the day including a fashion spectacular from the NMMU’s Textile and Design Department, a crafters market and the opportunity of going home with their share of over R30 000 worth of Lektron appliances.
As the day’s festivities coincide with Mother’s Day, all mothers on course will receive a special gift and will be able to relax in peace of mind that the kiddies are being looked after within the free kid’s entertainment area.
