G1 – 1000m – Turf
| 1 | Tenango | Saluted over this course and distance on this card last year and went on to post a G1 Mercury Sprint (1200m) second behind Buffalo Storm Cody, who should start favourite here. Chance. |
| 2 | I Am Giant | Has been racing well over 1200m, posting a win and a second in his past two starts, but may just lack the zip to be competitive against this opposition back in trip. |
| 3 | Lucky Lad | Comes off a winless 2025 but did show some promise in his last-start effort at this course and distance, finishing fourth and not far off second placegetter Tenango. |
| 4 | O’tenikwa | Enters this race in a rich vein of form after reeling off a win and five placings from his past six starts. Was second behind Tenango in May’s G2 Golden Horse Sprint (1200m) and must be considered. |
| 5 | Asiye Phambili | Enjoyed G3 success at the course and distance last start and does boast G1 form around the brilliant Buffalo Storm Cody. Would need to be at her absolute best to win. |
| 6 | Cafe Culture | Returns to 1000m for the first time since running ninth in this race last year. Has mixed his form since but did manage second over 1400m two starts back. Fancy others. |
| 7 | Surjay | Seven-year-old has been a constant feature of this race in recent years, running sixth twice before a distant second 12 months ago. Isn’t getting any younger, however, and is a place chance at best. |
| 8 | Truth | Has amassed an impressive record, with five wins and four placings from 17 starts, but would need to find improvement to be competitive in this company. Is in good form after a last-start second at the trip. |
| 9 | Direct Hit | G1 winner as a two-year-old among five straight wins to begin her career. Could only manage sixth behind Asiye Phambili in a course-and-distance G3 last start. |
| 10 | Constellation | Three-year-old colt has made an impressive start to his career, banking four wins and two seconds from seven starts, however he is faced with a sharp rise in grade here. Trip looks ideal but would need to improve. |
| 11 | Quantum Theory | Has proven himself a more than capable sprinter but his most recent run – when last of 18 over the Kenilworth 1200m on 13 December – is cause for concern. Prefer others. |
| 12 | Outlaw King | Enters the race off a strong finish to 2025 and must be among the chances after consecutive wins, including latest in the G2 Cape Merchants (1200m) at Kenilworth. |
| 13 | Buffalo Storm Cody | Superstar sprinter went on a tear in 2025, winning seven of eight starts including one at G1 level. Is unbeaten in two starts over 1000m and saluted handsomely at the distance last start. The one to beat. |
| 14 | Snow Pilot | Has gone over a year between victories and was soundly beaten by Dave The King in the G2 Green Point Stakes (1600m) last start. Look elsewhere. |
| 15 | Kingdundee | Has compiled an outstanding record, winning seven times from 10 starts and placing second twice, but he faces his toughest test yet and more improvement is needed. Some hope of making it four wins in a row. |
| Reserves | ||
| 16 | Dance Variety | A winner of six of his 28 starts, the six-year-old has mixed his form of late and enters the race off a second two runs back and a last-start 15th. Looks unlikely to figure. |
| 17 | Meu Capitano | Another with a nice career record who may just lack the class to be competitive here. Was 6.95L behind Outlaw King when last seen in the G2 Cape Merchants (1200m). |
| 18 | Arctic Wizard | Is yet to tackle the Kenilworth straight 1000m but did win over the trip at Durbanville in September and October. Last two starts have been only fair and will be one of the outsiders. |
