G1 – 2000m – Turf
Horse Racing
Season
Cape Derby – Form Comments
| 1 | Thanksgiving | The best handicapped colt in the race, this son of Dynasty looks to have a lot of ability. He finished a 3.4-length second behind Hawwaam in the G2 Dingaans at Turffontein. Well drawn. |
| 2 | Charles | A very expensive yearling who has not reached his full potential but did run well in a MR 80 handicap when touching off Vardy, Anton Marcus takes the ride but he is drawn No 18 which will not make life easy. |
| 3 | Bunker Hunt | He is the talk of the race and was strongly fancied last time in the G3 Politician Stakes but his jockey was dislodged at the start. Had won his three previous starts and is the current favourite for the race but is also drawn wide. |
| 4 | Ovation Award | Another runner from Durban who has won his share of races but based on his form behind Soqrat in that province does not look good enough to win this race. In his favour is a good draw. |
| 5 | Roll Of Drums | Looks held on many runs and looks unlikely to feature. |
| 6 | Atyaab | Mike de Kock’s only runner on the day but he may not be good enough and in addition, has to overcome a wide draw. |
| 7 | Hudoo Magic | Has run some decent races and could feature in this company, especially as he jumps from a good barrier position. |
| 8 | Senatla | Finished second behind Twist Of Fate in the G3 Politican Stakes and would be a major contender if it were not for the fact he has to jump from No 17 draw. Will need some luck but is not out of it. |
| 9 | Belgarion | Third in the Politician Stakes so that makes him a contender in this event. He does have a wide draw but has a top jockey in Bernard Fayd’Herbe and is not without a chance. |
| 10 | Herodotus | A very similar story to Senatla and Belgarion as he was on their heels in the Politician Stakes but is drawn No 13. |
| 11 | Perpetual Flame | He did not run well in the Politician Stakes but was reported to have cast a shoe. On form he can’t really be considered a challenger for top honours. |
| 12 | Sailing Lizard | Same story as previous runners. Fourth in the Politician Stakes will give his connection some hope but he is drawn widest of all. |
| 13 | Knights Templar | Was finishing best of all in the Poltician Stakes to finish sixth. However, he is close to Bunker Hunt on a previous run and that make him a candidate. |
| 14 | Seattle Force | Looks well held by a number of his rival and about the only thing he has in his favour is a good draw. |
| 15 | Line Editor | Won his last race in a low-level handicap and looks completely outclassed. Is also badly drawn and has little hope in this field. |
| 16 | Lloyd George | Has done well in lesser class in Port Elizabeth but trainer Alan Greeff has often done well with his horses in Cape Town. Drawn No 16 but has a top jockey in Piere Strydom. Could run a place. |
| 17 | Gun Hill | Another Port Elizabeth-based runner who has won his last two in low-level handicaps and does not looks good enough to feature. |
| 18 | Second Request | She is the best-handicapped runner in this line-up but her big rise in merit rating is based on a fourth in the Cape Fillies Guineas and a fifth place in the Paddock Stakes, both G1 races for fillies. Only the race will tell if she is correctly handicapped but one does believe it will stand up in this race. She is drawn No 1, however. |
| 19 | Santa Clara | Another very good filly who is untried against the boys but from No 14 draw will be fully tested. |
| 20 | Helen’s Ideal | She does have a good draw but she even looks well held by the two other fillies in the race and it would be something of a surprise should she feature prominently. |
Others
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