The Classic Approach

Twenty two years after taking over the reins from his late Dad Peekay, Dean Kannemeyer proudly shows off his three Cape Derby trophies on the mantelpiece at his Milnerton office.

On Saturday he bids to make it a rare hat-trick of Cape Guineas-Cape Derby doubles with the handsome grey, Russian Rock.

Gravitas is a powerful word. It could also be Dean Martin Kannemeyer’s nickname – he just has that knack of producing pearls of racing reality.

“One doesn’t necessarily have to have a horse that genuinely stays 2000m to win the Cape Derby, as evidenced by Capetown Noir. He won the Guineas and the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and was a genuine high-class miler. His class carried him to his Derby win. Similarly so, Noordhoek Flyer – a really high class miler. He was on his way to winning the Derby in 2010, but just got tired that last bit and Joey’s Bravura came to grab him.”

Dean adds that there is, coincidentally, an interesting parallel between Bravura and Kommetdieding.

“Bravura won his first four just like Harry’s (Crawford) horse. Kommetdieding is clearly a very smart 3yo and a worthy favourite. He has done all that they have asked of him, and more. Beyond Bravura, I can’t think of another horse in the modern era that has gone into the classic unbeaten,” he muses.

Dean’s first Cape Derby winner was in 2003 when Dynasty won – the outstanding son of Fort Wood has gone on to sire 4 winners of the classic. Kannemeyer’s next two Cape Derby victors both won the Cape Guineas too – Rabiya in 2005 and Capetown Noir in 2013.

He saddles Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock and one-time winner, and Politician Stakes runner-up, Legitimate on Saturday.

“I exposed Legitimate in the Politician Stakes as he has been a horse who has been a touch unlucky and a bit quirky as things haven’t always gone his way. He is a tricky fellow to train and to ride! But he has a touch of class and is a scopy sort. He was beaten 1,50 lengths by Kommetdieding in receipt of 6 kgs last time. He earned a 101. On the Politician Stakes form, it doesn’t take a mathematician to work out that the favourite holds us firmly on Saturday. But Legitimate stayed on well in his first outing in feature company and showed that he can hold his own. He will enjoy the 2000m on breeding and his style of racing. The only way to find out if he can step up is to give him the opportunity. I expect him to be staying on smartly at the business end, and when the penny does eventually drop, he is going to be a very nice horse.”

Russian Rock benefitted from a peach of a ride by Grant Behr to win the Guineas.

“I was really very impressed with his Guineas win. It takes a more than good horse to get out of trouble the way he did – then to stay on from midfield and fetch the horse in front the way he managed was most encouraging. There were a few traffic issues in the Guineas – but there will always be excuses in most races. You only have to stand at the jockey room when they come back afterwards to understand that! So let’s see how he goes – he came into the Guineas unexposed and delivered. On breeding he should stay the 2000m.”

Asked why he hadn’t given Russian Rock a sharpener between the Guineas and Derby, Dean says the programme didn’t provide a lot of opportunities.

“I wanted to give him a blow up the 1200m straight. But he was allotted 66kgs in one race we entered him for. So I thought I’d go the gallop route rather. We sent him over 1800m at Kenilworth with a companion on Saturday 13 February. Grant Behr was happy and Russian Rock moved well and only started showing signs of tiring in the final 100m. That will have brought him along nicely for Saturday. He is a happy horse. Let’s put him to the test again on Saturday!”

We asked him what else, beyond Kommetdieding, could be realistic opposition in the Derby.

“Look, it’s never been our policy to worry about the opposition – let them have the sleepless nights about us rather! But Vaughan’s (Marshall) duo of Linebacker and Rascallion are both consistent at feature level and very smart. And Malmoos’ victory in the Gauteng Guineas recently brings Guineas runner-up Linebacker’s good run behind him in the Concord Cup right back into perspective. There is also a lot of talk about Legislate’s brother The Gatekeeper. There was plenty to like about his just over two lengths fifth in the Guineas. The 2000m on Saturday should be right up his alley. But we are focussed on our duo, as I said.”

Will there be a pace on Saturday?

“One certainly hopes so – it just won’t be provided by us. Both of mine like to relax early and run at them late. Pace means a true-run race. Pace also means there is less chance of traffic issues. There are two leading contenders with multiple runners – so that suggests there could be a gallop. Let’s wait and see.”

Dean has four other runners on Saturday, including what must be a first for Kannemeyer – two of the six runners in the Cape Of Good Hope Nursery. That’s a lot of baby boom for a yard that traditionally takes their time with their youngsters.

“Times change! We all have to adapt, or fall behind. We won the fillies nursery last year. Both my Nursery candidates are ready for it on Saturday. Cosmic Highway won a good race on debut. I was looking for a 1200m race for him to debut before the nursery. But had to settle for a 1000m contest. He lost lengths at the jump – and still won. I have no idea of the quality of what he had behind him, but I like him and he deserves the chance to show his capability.”

On his stablemate Sheldon, who is owned by Durban-based Sterling Miller, Dean expects him to enjoy the 1200m.

“He won his debut keenly at Hollywoodbets Greyville, but was caught a bit flatfooted in the Summer Juvenile on Met day, when he ran fourth. He will definitely enjoy the 1200m and he is very well.”

Dean runs Azores in the New Turf Carriers Listed Jet Master Stakes.

“I was in two minds to run him here. I found that in the Cape Summer Stayers and the Chairmans Cup – both races over 2500m – he just got tired late. I think he is best from a mile to 2000m. He has shown good ability and cannot be discounted.”

Sterling Miller’s Soft Falling Rain debut winner Edgartown takes his chances in the inaugural R550 000 BSA Cape Yearling Sale Cup.

“He won smartly on debut, surviving an objection, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last month and has only been with me for a few weeks. He looks a lovely horse and owners are understandably keen to go for the rich sales races when they do come up. He is fit and well, and interestingly the only winner in a field of mostly unexposed maidens. It should be an interesting race and there is lots to play for!”