Morgan Deane Smith and Phumelela’s Clyde Basel at the draw (Liesl King)
Excitement is mounting as the second running of the Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes presented by CTS draws near.
On 22 November a quality field of 16 runners will contest the R2 million race over 1400m at Kenilworth, with the lucky winner walking away with R1 million and prize-money being paid out all the way to tenth place.
Sponsor Lanzerac Hotel and Spa’s newly opened Cellar Hall, served as the venue for a five star luncheon on Thursday, followed by the barrier draw, where the new Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes ambassador, Morgan Deane Smith ably assisted the connections in revealing that all important barrier position.
The inaugural running of the race was won in thrilling style by the Brett Crawford trained Captain America, who collared the favourite Red Ray close to the line.
Crawford is back with an equally exciting prospect, the Dynasty filly, Alexis and he was well pleased when she drew barrier two. His two reserve runners, Night In Seattle and Valerin, were not quite so lucky, drawing barriers seven and fifteen respectively.
Joey Ramsden – can he do it this year?
Joey Ramsden, trainer of last year’s runner-up Red Ray, is out to revenge his defeat with none other than Red Ray’s half brother, the Western Winter colt, Brutal Force.
While there is no doubt about the burly colt’s talent, the draw did not go in his favour and jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe will have to box clever from barrier twelve.
It is said that fortune favours the brave and Zambezi River’s absent owners Chris van Niekerk and Markus Jooste will surely agree after Amanda Carey drew barrier one on their behalf for the unbeaten Trippi colt.
Less lucky in the draw was the Dean Kannemeyer trained Var colt, Varlo. Owner Lars Kelp was on hand, but despite being assisted by the lovely Morgan Deane, barrier 18 on the extreme outside was revealed.
Justin Snaith – a strong hand
Champion Trainer Justin Snaith had to be content with a mix bag for his three runners, with Sunset Tripp coming out best as Jonathan Snaith revealed barrier five for the Greg Bortz owned Trippi colt.
Sean Cormack and Cat and The Moon will jump midfield from barrier nine, while Snaith’s third runner, Harvard Crimson will occupy barrier thirteen.
Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes Day is all about elegance, class and style and racegoers have been requested to dress to the fete theme with beautiful outfits complete with that all important hat.
An extraordinary prize is on offer for the best-dressed couple, with Investec sponsoring a trip for two to the Investec Derby at Epsom, while CTS will sponsor flights and accommodation.
Cape Town’s world-class milliner Jacqueline Kolbe, together with Lanzerac MD Winston Cowie and Morgan Deane Smith will be on hand to select the lucky winners.
So, if you haven’t got that knockout hat yet, then JK Millinery is the place to go.
