Dean Kannemeyer tells how he approaches the CTS Ready To Run Sale
“Even though the golden carrot of the generously endowed Ready To Run race is an obvious consideration, I also look at the bigger picture when buying horses,” said Cape trainer Dean Kannemeyer when quizzed on how he believes this weekend’s CTS sale catalogue should be approached.
Kannemeyer said that while the rich race prize was foremost on everybody’s mind, he suggested that a horse’s career was not just about one goal.
“This is not an exact science and everybody has their own approach and strategy. But I’d like to buy a horse that is going to win the Ready To Run Stakes on 21 November 2015 as well as another ten feature races,” he said with a smile.
The Milnerton-based conditioner enjoyed a superb season last term and his charges were dominant at both Equus and the Cape and KZN regional awards.
He is also set to train the Western Winter colt which set a new record price of R2,6 million on the National 2yo Sale last month.
Form Bloodstock went to the new high for the half-brother to the promising Mljet, consigned by leading breeders Varsfontein Stud, on behalf of a leading European owner.
This is the highest price ever paid in the long history of the National 2YO Sale.
Red Ray – a CTS Ready To Run graduate
Kannemeyer said that he was impressed with the CTS Ready To Run catalogue but would only commence his shortlisting after watching each and every horse in the breeze-up gallops next Thursday.
He would then look at the physical conformation of those that passed the ‘action test’ and finally assess the pedigree and family performance on the catalogue page.
“That is the reversal of how I would approach a yearling sale. This is a performance sale and we are presented with a great opportunity here to assess the action and how the individual uses himself. How does he throw those legs out and how well does he push from behind, are just two of the thoughts going through the mind as we observe the gallop. You can read a lot in the action – for instance an easy flowing style without being pushed all the way to finish the gallop is an added plus. I don’t time the breeze-up and am not really that interested in the horse who goes the fastest either.”
Kannemeyer went on to say that he would then inspect the individual specimen.
“A horse can move well but have shocking legs, or simply have no scope at all. I am spending my patrons’ money and I will rather steer clear of these negatives. And an investment in a racehorse only commences after the sale,” he said.
Kannemeyer said that he adopted the maxim that a few extra heads are always better than one and he would always consult with Jehan Malherbe and his Vet.
“I have been around horses for over fifty years and we learn something new every day. Having an extra opinion never hurt anybody,” he said.
In keeping with their commitments to providing the latest in cutting edge technologies, and servicing their buyers and vendors, CTS will again take the Lanzerac Ready to Run sale to a “Global Audience”
“We’ll again stream the individual breeze ups as well as the actual two days of sales online as well as having an on demand viewing service for buyers, but this year they will also be promoted and made available to view to new audiences throughout South East Asia including; Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia and the Philippines who we believe are the perfect market fit for our horses.”
You can keep up to date with all the latest sales news on the sale on the CTS website at www.capethoroughbredsales.com and on Twitter @CapeTSales
Breeze-up gallops – Durbanville Racceourse at 09h00 Thursday 2 October
