1

Kasimir

An exceptionally strong sprinter, this six-year-old has carried 132lbs or more in eight of his 10 wins. The only question is whether the 1000m sprint is a bit short. The last time Kasimir won over this distance, was in this race two years ago. Four of his last five wins were over 1200m with the other over 1400m. Finished third last year, beaten less than a length.

2

Russet Air

The defending champion – surprised last year after going off at 25-1. That victory resulted in a massive rating increase. Without a victory since, one can’t help but wonder if he’s been rated slightly above his ability. He hasn’t done badly though, recording 4 placings from 7 runs. A successful title defence is unlikely, though it won’t come as a complete shock.

3

Pacific Trader

A surprise winner of the G1 Computaform Sprint (1000m) at Turffontein in 2019, Brett Crawford’s charge is perhaps not quite as good as his rating suggests. On a good day he can go toe to toe with the best, but his good days are too far between to warrant a following. Has only raced twice since last year’s renewal in which he finished eighth, and disappointed on both occasions.

4

Bold Respect

Twice runner-up in this event, it is unlikely that Brett Crawford’s charge will go one better this time around. Beaten a short head by Russet Air in last year’s race, this six-year-old gelding raced only three times since without reaching the expected heights again. 

5

Ultra Magnus

Came within a whisker of winning the G1 Golden Horse Sprint over 1200m at Scottsville last season under a very light weight and followed it up two starts later with a victory in the G3 Merchants (1160m) at Turffontein. Despite his obvious talent and current form, he will do extremely well to finish in the top four in his debut run at Kenilworth carrying 132lbs.

6

Rio Querari

Perhaps not quite as fancied as stable companions Kasimir and Erik The Red, but definitely just as capable – especially over this distance – and a model of consistency. As this is a weight-for-age contest, he is at a slight weight disadvantage. Also has very little experience in Graded contests, but don’t make the mistake of leaving him out of exotics.

7

Cartel Captain

Unplaced in three attempts at G1 level, this four-year-old seems out of his depth. He did give a good account of himself last time out when carrying top weight in the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m. What does count in his favour, is that his only post-maiden victory was over today’s distance, but don’t hold your breath.

8

Elusive Trader

For two seasons running, trainer Greg Ennion has used the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m as final prep run for this five-year-old gelding, and on both occasions, Elusive Trader was victorious in that prep run. Last season he followed up that victory with a 7th in this race. Expect the same result again this year.

9

Constable

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson might have a reputation for pulling a hare from a hat, but it’s highly unlikely this horse will stop this kind of traffic. Despite showing serious improvement in his last two outings, he will do well to earn minor money in a race where his stable companion, Russet Air, is the defending champion.

10

Celtic Sea

This three-time G1 winning mare, trained by champion trainer Sean Tarry, aims for a hat-trick in her third run of the season at this venue. After her emphatic victory in the G2 Sceptre Stakes (1200m), she is the current favourite, but that could shorten quite a bit by the time the gates crash open.

11

Run Fox Run

Bettors looking for value should take a long and hard look at this five-year-old mare. Beaten only one length by Celtic Sea in the G2 Southern Cross Stakes over course and distance last time out, Run Fox Run looks excellently prepped for a first G1 victory. Lightly raced, she has never disappointed. She will give it her all.

12

Erik The Red

One of the stars among an exceptional crop of current three-year-olds. His last two runs saw him win both the G2 Cape Merchants and G2 Umkhomazi Stakes, both over 1200m. It seems inevitable that he will be a G1-winner. Trainer Justin Snaith won the Queen’s Plate with three-year-old Jet Dark, so it won’t surprise if lightning strikes twice.

13

Tempting Fate

As a juvenile he was unbeaten in three runs, his best performance winning the G1 Golden Horse Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville in July last year when beating Erik The Red by 5L. Since turning three last August, however, he hasn’t been given the opportunity to build on that early promise, twice running over 1600m in G1 events.

14

Vernichey

Make no mistake, this three-year-old Vercingetorix filly is a bundle of talent, but it will take more than just talent to cross the line first in this race. Expect her to run her heart out, but don’t expect to see her in the winner’s enclosure. The experience will undoubtedly stand her in good stead later in her career.