The R85 000 Listed World Sports Betting East Cape Derby on the Fairview turf track will be run for the 60th time this afternoon.
The East Cape trainers have struggled to win this prestigious race in recent years, with the Western Cape raiders dominating procedures.
Last year this race for three-year-olds, over the challenging distance of 2400m, was won by the locally trained filly American Princess.
Greeff 1-2 as Shadlee Fortune steers American Princess to a convincing win ahead of Charles Ndlovu on Rock Aloe (Pic – Pauline Herman)
Henk Steenkamp writes that it was only the second time in 16 years that an East Cape trainer had managed to win the Derby and today they must have a very good chance to follow up.
There is only one raider to worry about and the field of seven runners is the smallest in many years.
Champion trainer Alan Greeff can follow the same route to victory as last season. He has the filly Colorado Springs in the race and with Greg Cheyne in the saddle, she will start as the favourite to make it two in a row for Greeff.
Swazi Queen, trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, is the only raider and just managed to beat Colorado Springs to win the Listed East Cape Oaks on the Polytrack a month ago.
This time Colorado Springs carries 1kg less and is a worthy favourite.
Jaeger Moon digs deep to win the Guineas – he goes 2400m for first time today (Pic – Pauline Herman)
The gutsy winner of the East Cape Guineas, Jaeger Moon, carrying top weight of 60kg, is enjoying a wonderful season and will have many supporters, especially with the Gavin Smith stable in such tremendous form.
The Derby is a race renowned for its quality, tradition, excitement and entertainment.
As was the case last year, the entertainment side of the race will be limited to the action on the track.
The owners of the participating horses will be allowed on course but the action to the general public is still limited to Tellytrack (Dstv 249) television coverage.
The race is carded to jump at 15h30.
The recent roll of honour:
- 2020: American Princess
- 2019: St Vladimir
- 2018: American Landing
- 2017: Dorset Noble
- 2016: Captain Splendid
- 2015: St Tropez
- 2014: Desert Swirl
- 2013: True Master
- 2012: Tribal Dance
- 2011: Vengence
- 2010: Robert The Bruce
- 2009: Lizard’s Desire
- 2008: Just Like Al
- 2007: Key Castle
- 2006: Captain Cook
- 2005: Vettriano
- 2004: Central Pacific
Malmoos’ older brother Captain Splendid won this race in 2016
