While it is a well established preparatory race for the two bigger Gr1 prizes that lie ahead, the last Queen’s Plate – Met winner produced by the R350 000 Gr2 Green Point Stakes was Pocket Power back in 2008.
Judging on Saturday’s power-packed renewal, now sadly without Hawwaam, it would not be surprising to see the Mike Bass champion’s feat emulated.
The 2018 Green Point Stakes thriller (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The Green Point Stakes was the talking race of last season and that memorable four-cornered finish that spanned just a long head and gave magic miler Legal Eagle a third consecutive victory in this event will live on in our memories for years. The dual SA Horse Of The Year beat Undercover Agent and Do It Again, with Rainbow Bridge in fourth. While the winner does not return on Saturday, the placed horses take on the 4yo duo Vardy and One World in what promises to be a cracker.
The race is run at weight-for-age plus penalties and Justin Snaith’s SP top-rated and reigning Equus Horse Of The Year Do It Again is the senior rated galloper at 136.
Do It Again beats Soqrat in the 2018 LQP (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
While he has not seen action since his historic second consecutive Durban July victory, his 23 week break will not be of too much concern as he has run well fresh in the past. He had an easy gallop on his own at Kenilworth a week ago. His trainer told Gold Circle’s Michael Clower, prior to the news of Hawwaam’s withdrawal, that his charge had been on the grass twice.
“Both were nice gallops and he is 80% ready. What worries me is that we are going straight into a mile against the strongest horses in South Africa. Your comeback run shouldn’t be against horses like these but in Cape Town we don’t have a choice.”
Rainbow Bridge – has his first run of the season (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
He meets Gr1 Champions Cup winner Rainbow Bridge, his conqueror at level weights in the Sun Met earlier this year, but a horse who he has twice beaten in the interim. Rainbow Bridge’s 20 week break means they clash on level ground in terms of fitness.
A Met entry, Head Honcho ran a smashing third in the Sun Met behind Rainbow Bridge and Do It Again in January, but failed in the July. He won his first outing this term with a measure of authority in mid October, but could be stretched over a mile in this illustrious company.
Originally destined for stud this season, but kept in training, Undercover Agent was beaten out of the money when 2,55 lengths behind Do It Again in the Gr1 Gold Challenge last term. He ran on well at his first start as a 5yo when 1,65 lengths off One World in the Matchem. He is a half kilo better off with the Marshall flyer and there should be little between them.
The top-class One World is unbeaten as a 4yo with two good wins under the belt – including an eyecatching effort in the Gr3 Matchem Stakes in October. He has been taught to relax and run at them late and, while Anton Marcus favoured Hawwaam, replacement MJ Byleveld knows this capable fellow very well.
Top rate Vardy – returns from a break (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The 2019 Winter Classic winner Vardy has been out of action since that emphatic walloping of One World, having had a small chip removed from a knee. A versatile winner from 1200m to 1800m, his main targets are the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Sun Met and he is likely to need the outing.
Pack Leader returned from a sixteen month break and ran on well to finish 3,80 lengths off Russet Air in the Cape Merchants last month. The son of Philanthropist showed his wellbeing over the 1200m and, while he is likely to need another few runs to find peak fitness, he will also be better over slightly further.
Stablemate to Head Honcho, La Favourari is held by his opponents at the weights and his recent form is not inspiring.
Do It Again has the experience and home ground advantage to show his class.
