1

African Rain

Both his sire, Soft Falling Rain, and dam, Valdivia, were champion juveniles. On form he is held by stable companion Barzalona but that was his first run. He has won subsequently and is open to a huge level of improvement. 

2

Barzalona

Stormed to a 1.5L victory on debut thanks to a sustained late run. One of the favourites to win this race, he has the services of Grant van Niekerk. Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson won this race in 2019 with Miss Honey.

3

Sheldon

Showed tremendous guts and courage on debut when inching out Aisling after the two went shoulder to shoulder for the entire length of the race. The only raider in the field – from KwaZulu-Natal – he should be included in exotics.

4

High Hosanna

Pick of trainer Justin Snaith’s two runners and is the current favourite for this race. This Trippi filly won her debut over the course and distance with ease and with Richard Fourie back in the saddle she could make it two from two.

5

Ambiorix

Trainer Vaughan Marshall must have a lot of confidence in this colt, choosing a race of this calibre for his runner to debut. His sire, Vercingetorix, has been churning out winners and this colt has a top jockey in Luke Ferraris. Must be a contender.

6

Imposing Angel

This Captain Of All filly will be carrying 12lbs less than when finishing 3rd on debut over this course and distance, which should count in her favour. She has a Quartet chance but probably is not as sharp as some of the other runners.

7

Kwinta’s Light

After steering this Gimmethegreenlight filly to two second-place finishes, stable jockey Richard Fourie has opted to stick with High Hosanna, making way for Robert Khathi. This suggests Kwinta’s Light is regarded as the lesser runner from Snaith’s stable.

8

Rio Supremo

Was beaten 3L by High Hosanna last time out and is unlikely to reverse that result, despite being 6lb better off. In this company she will do exceptionally well to run a place, even with the assistance of current champion jockey Warren Kennedy.

9

Treasure Hunt

You have to be in it, to win it, they say. Well, this Elusive Fort filly is in it, but is probably least likely to win it. Has a top jockey in Greg Cheyne but it would be a major upset if she were to win this race. It is no surprise she is the rank outsider in the field.