G1 – 2000m – Turf
1 | Dave The King | The best weighted runner but all he has won are three races over 1200m. His rating is made up of places behind other highly rated runners. |
2 | Puerto Manzano | Won this race last year but has not shown his usual zip in his last three races. However, should the real Puerto Manzano turn up will be a massive runner. |
3 | Cousin Casey | Has loads of ability but many pundits believe he is questionable over 2000m which is supported by only one fourth place in three starts over the distance. |
4 | Zeus | Has hit top form over distances from 2400m and upwards but has yet to prove he can beat a field of this calibre over 2000m. |
5 | Winchester Mansion | Well handicapped when he won the Durban July with 117lb on his back. Finding it tougher off a merit rating of 121. Would do well to place. |
6 | Without Question | Ran well above expectations when a 1.65-length third in the G1 Cape Town Met in January and has not raced since. That form has not really been tested though. |
7 | Royal Victory | Summer Cup winner over this course and distance. Apparently putting up excellent work at home and despite carrying 13lb more, looks the runner to beat. |
8 | Son Of Raj | Facile winner of the G1 SA Derby last year but has not placed in six starts since. Ran well in the G1 Horse Chestnut Stakes despite suffering interference. Outside chance. |
9 | Aragosta | Has been sat his best in staying races of late so could find 2000m a touch sharp these days. Also held on Summer Cup (2000m) form. |
10 | Future Pearl | Brilliant stayer last season but has not looked great in two comeback runs over 1600m and 1400m. Will need major improvement though to feature. |
11 | Safe Passage | Runner-up in the Summer Cup and a repeat of that performance would put him in the frame. Didn’t run well in two warm-up events but has a top trainer. |
12 | Litigation | Has won six races at this course, is currently in good form and needs to be included in all bets, despite widest draw. |
13 | Meridius | Has twice gone down to Litigation at level weights over 1800m so will struggle to reverse the placings over the extra 200m. |
14 | Street Art | Has won three of his seven races over 2000m but takes a massive jump in class. Looks held by a number of other runners. |