G1 – 2450m – Turf
| Surcharge | This colt is unquestionably the class horse of the race. He has run nine times for five wins and three places and finished second in the both the Gauteng Guineas (G2) and the S A Classic (G1) from bad draws. He is the highest rated runner but there has to be a question mark as to whether he will see out the distance. |
| Like A Panther | Looks the pick of the Mike de Kock’s three runners. He was fancied to win the Cape Derby but the race did not go his way. He was rested for over two months and made his first appearance back in the S A Classic where he looked a winner at the 200m mark but ran out of steam to finish third. Will improve on that run and will go close, despite a wide draw. |
| Noble Secret | Lightly raced runner from the Mike de Kock yard who finished fourth in both the Gauteng Guineas and S A Classic, running on strongly on both occasions. Not far off both Surcharge and Like A Panther and might be looking for this sort of distance. He is an improving sort and from a good draw must be considered a contender for top honours. |
| Majestic Mambo | Came into the Triple Crown races unbeaten in three starts. He started favourite for both the Gauteng Guineas and S A Classic but had terrible luck in both. He probably found 1600m too short in the Guineas and then almost came down in the Classic, dislodging his jockey, when starting what looked like a winning run. Big chance over this distance. |
| Royal Crusade | Ran a cracker when third in the Gauteng Guineas as 1600m was definitely too short but disappointed in the S A Classic when looking dangerous 400m out and then fading to finish ninth. That caused Anton Marcus to jump off him on to Majestic Mambo. Royal Crusade was the runner the Mike de Kock stable felt would be a strong Derby contender. Has a chance. |
| Cash Time | This gelding has won three of his nine races and is the first Grade 1 runner for new trainer Ashley Fortune who is the wife of retired jockey Andrew Fortune. This will undoubtedly be a huge test for him but he did run well in the Listed Derby Trial over 2000m when a close-up third, despite giving 11lb to the winner. Place chance. |
| Silver God | Did not run badly in the S A Classic when fitted in blinkers but he did fade out late in the race. He is trained by champion trainer Sean Tarry but does look a little out of his depth in this company. He is unknown over the distance but he is bred to stay and that could be in his favour. Would need huge improvement to win but could sneak into a place. |
| The Rocketman | This Australian-bred runner looks as if he will have no problem with the distance and clearly has potential as he has won three of his six races and placed in two others. He has yet to race against this class of runner but could still be better than his merit rating of 92. Has room for improvement but if he does run a place in this field he will have done well. |
| Gambado | He is quite a consistent runner and did win the Listed Derby Trial over 2000m but will battle to confirm the form with Cash Time who finished 0.30 lengths behind him and is now 11lb better off. He also looks well held by the likes of Majestic Mambo and Royal Crusade but could improve over this distance. Outside place chance. |
| Hero’s Honour | The son of Await The Dawn has only raced five times with just one win to his name. He could have some room for improvement but still looks an optimistic entry. Hero’s Honour does have former champion jockey Mark Khan in the irons but still appears outclassed in this company. |
| Walter Smoothie | He is the stable companion to Surcharge who will probably prefer a decent pace. This fellow might just be in the field to ensure he gets it. He has won over the distance which is in his favour but that was against much weaker company. He might be able to outstay some of the others and could run a place. |
| Forafewdollarsmore | This is one horse who might be better than his form suggests. He will see out the distance and comes from a top stable but at level weights he could battle. Has a top jockey in Lyle Hewitson who could very well win the SA Championship this year, even though he is still an apprentice. Outside chance. |
| Throng | A two-time winner trained by the champion trainer and to be ridden by a two-time former champion jockey. But that seems all Throng has in his favour. He is badly handicapped and looks well held by a number of other runners. It would be a major shock if he was to finish in the places. |
| Greenwood Drive | Had this race been a handicap Greenwood Drive would be getting 35lb from Surcharge. He looks totally outclassed and an optimistic entry at best. |
