A stepping stone to our premier marathon, the Gold Cup on Super Saturday, the R500 000 Gr3 Gold Vase is a 3000m stamina sapping test of endurance – and the starting point of the bumper R13 million Pick 6 on the big day.
It’s My Turn – this could be his time to shine
Dean Kannemeyer last won the race in 2014 with the talented Hot Ticket and the classic trainer has a powerful three-pronged attack, headed by the recent Track & Ball Derby winner It’s My Turn, a contentious Vodacom Durban July discard.
The Fred Crabbia-owned Dynasty gelding won the 2016 Gr1 Investec Cape Derby and has had his health issues. Nursed back to peak condition, he has never been better and will strip fit.
Mr Winsome wins the Derby in 2017
His stablemate Mr Winsome won the 2017 Track & Ball Derby and chased It’s My Turn home in the 2018 renewal. The son of Silvano is another in good form with a serious shout.
Third of the Kannemeyer trio, One Man Show is a game stayer who ran very handy when beaten 3 lengths by Hero Quest in the Highland Night Cup. The winner failed to frank that form when beaten out of sight in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup.
Alec Laird – Sheet Weaver has a light weight and stays well
Alec Laird’s Sheet Weaver on the other hand finished under 3 lengths off in the Lonsdale and showed similarly in a polytrack prep over 2000m. The son of Ideal World is a powerful pacemaking sort who carries only 50kgs – he could prove dangerous.
Forafewdollarsmore was beaten 5 lengths in the Track & Ball Derby and meets It’s My Turn on 7 kgs better terms. The 3yo son of Judpot could enjoy the 3000m that he tries for the first time.
The 8yo Storm Warning found his best finish to register his 9th win at his last start. The son of Jet Master may feel he is running without a jockey off the 52,5kg mark and stays every inch of the trip.
The only filly in the race, Flichity By Farr ran a 4,25 length third to Witchcraft in the Track & Ball Oaks after a storming second behind July prospect Secret Potion in the SA Oaks. She has a tough task as a 3yo in this field.
Sun On Africa ran a 3 length fifth to Equus Champion Hermoso Mundo in this race last year. The 6yo son of Seul Amour does find his form over ground at this time of the year – but needs to improve again.
Cool Chardonnay – has found his form
Cool Chardonnay ran a fair fourth in the Gold Bowl at his penultimate start and then beat Ali Bon Dubai going away in a Pinnacle at his last outing. The Woodruff runner-up failed to underscore the strength of that form next time.
The Snaith’s out-and-out stayer One Direction has not won for ten months but is always thereabouts and Richard Fourie could get the best out of him.
Hero Quest ran a poor race in the Lonsdale after two good wins over ground. Jeff Lloyd takes the ride and he must surely improve.
Silver Rose tries the trip after two wins in handicaps.
Gold Bowl winner Let It Rain is Ashley Fortune’s first ever July day runner and is an interesting prospect from the 1 draw with his inevitable front-running tactics.
Eastern Pearl has poor recent form in the Eastern Cape.
