1

Rio Querari

This champion has “winner” written all over him. A Grade 1 winner, he was second in this event last year and after his prep run must be the favourite to go one better this time round. Very few challengers for his class in the field.

2

Bohica

This raider makes his Kenilworth debut in the sprint event of the day, having not won over 1000m. But trainers Mike and Adam Azzie won’t take a lone runner down to the Cape to fill the field. The dark one who could cause the upset of the day.

3

Kasimir

With six Grade 1 and 2 victories on his résumé, this hard-working veteran will keep the younger ones on their toes. And if they fluff their lines, he will pounce.

4

Real Gone Kid

Going for five in a row, and having beaten Rio Querari in his penultimate, looks the biggest threat to that horse. He has, however, not contested a Graded race, making it this rising star’s biggest test to date.

5

Viking Moon

A Polytrack specialist from the Eastern Cape, he hasn’t won on a turf track in almost three years. By Vercingetorix, he did not make the cut on his previous attempts at Kenilworth and on current form doesn’t look likely to turn that around.

6

Bereave

He’s got speed to spare, no question about it, and having not raced over the shortest sprint distance, he is a bit of an unknown factor. If he is allowed to run open throttle until the tank is empty, he could surprise a few.

7

Captain Fontane

A full brother to double Grade 1 winning Snowdance, his career was on hold for a year due to export protocols. Potentially a world-class sprinter, he has only raced six times. At his best, he should contest the finish.

8

Pleasedtomeetyou

Although he is in good form and drops down to a more suitable distance, the weights are against him. Expect to see the six-year-old among the early frontrunners, but don’t be surprised if he runs out of steam.

9

Stranger Danger

This Eastern Cape raider could well sneak into the places. A pillar-to-post specialist, this Gimmethegreenlight gelding is the epitome of steady progression that has seen him reach a three-figure merit rating.

10

Mr Cobbs

Not the most consistent, and out at the weights, he will do well to run a place. Last time out he did launch a late challenge on Real Gone Kid, but is 7lb worse off this time round.

11

True To Life

Not quite as fancied as stable companion Hello Winter Hello, she is a double Grade 3 winner and is pretty well weighted. Unlikely to take the honours, she must, however, be included in the Quartet.

12

Hello Winter Hello

Second to Rio Querari over 1200m almost a year ago, she has since recorded three victories in quality company. Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren has not picked the easiest race for her to complete a hat-trick. Unlikely to win, but won’t be disgraced

13

African Rain

This three-year-old has not done enough to suggest he will be competitive in this field. He has not contested a graded race, so this run should be seen as a learning school for the future more than anything else.

14

Sound Of Warning

Declared a non-runner at the Queen’s Plate Festival due to a disastrous, unfunny comedy of errors in the Grade 2 Sceptre Stakes, trainer Sean Tarry has decided to leave her in the field. If her reputation matches her ability, expect a surprise.