Itsrainingwilliam Is The Cape Derby “Sneaker”

He said Charles Dickens, quoted at 1/4 by Hollywoodbets, would be extremely hard to beat.

He quipped, “I think we are in as spectators!”

On a more serious note he spoke of his scepticism of the form of the Grade 3 Politician Stakes, won by the Snaith-trained Rockpool, who is the Cape Derby second favourite at 5/1.

Rockpool won the race cosily by half-a-length from stablemate Without Question.

In third place, beaten 2,75 lengths, was the Brett Crawford-trained At My Command, who was coming off a 4,35 length third to Charles Dickens in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas. 

Jonathan said, “We beat At My Command, but we were receiving 6kg and also, in my opinion, At My Command doesn’t stay.”

Rockpool does have a huge and interesting action to watch, throwing his front legs out unusually far, so is going to be a popular choice for second place.

However, Jonathan said, “I think the sneaker among ours is Itsrainingwilliam. Piere Strydom rode a fine race on him in the Gold Rush (to finish a close up 1,25 length third) and he is back aboard. Yes, he is by William Longsword, but he is a half-brother to Rain In Holland.” 

The Gold Rush over 1600m was in fact the first time Itsrainingwilliam had run over further than 1250m and he stayed on with long-strides in eyecatching fashion.

He gave the impression he would stay the trip and his female line should help.

Jonathan said, “I think he is a sneaker for the first three.”

Jonathan did confirm that Itsrainingwilliam was not the easiest of rides, a concern expressed by Strydom before the Gold Rush. However, he certainly settled well and travelled comfortably throughout in that race, although a draw of eleven in the Cape Derby will be tricky. 

The field for the Cape Derby is below: