Beyond the Grand Heritage exception, when last have we had a 20 horse field?
As part of the refurbishment of the new Cape summer speed programme, the Gr2 Merchants will be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today, with the stake upped handsomely from R175 000 last year to R450 000.
As part of an overhaul of the entire feature race programme down South, the Southeaster Sprint was moved to October, with the new Bantry Bay Sprint run last month.
Present and past trainers of We’re Jamming – Justin Snaith and Piet Steyn. The latter saddles Met entry, Gem King (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Previously the Merchants was run in November and that meant a massive gap to the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship at the end of January.
The speed pinnacle of the summer, the Cape Flying Championship boasts a terrific speed honour roll down the years and enjoys a 25% stake hike to R1,25 million in 2023.
Today’s renewal has attracted a capacity field of 20 runners, with Justin Snaith’s recent Sophomore Sprint winner We’re Jamming looking an attractive proposition off the 52kg mark with Grant van Niekerk in the saddle.
The Bortz aquamarine flag was in the feature winner’s enclosure last Saturday with Navy Strength producing a career peak showing to win the Cape Summer Stayers and there could be more good fortune for the local racing boss and his partner Gina Goldsmith.
We’re Jamming (Richard Fourie) wins the Listed Sophomore Sprint (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The Snaith team told the Sporting Post that the 3yo is back over a trip he relishes and his last win was impressive.
“He is spot on and will run well again. And he is particularly well-weighted. He will be right in the shake-up,” Jono Snaith said on Wednesday.
There is only one WSB Cape Town Met entrant in the line-up. Piet Steyn’s Gem King returns from a below-par effort in the Winter Derby and after his 24-week break and looking for much further, he will just be out for a stretch.
- The feature is off at 16h07.
- The first of eight races is off at 12h30.
