Rascallion is second favourite for Saturday’s Antonij Rupert Wyne Premier Trophy (Candiese Lenferna).
Cape Racing
Two high class horses recovering after serious injuries, Rascallion and Universal, will try rehabilitating their careers in the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Premier Trophy over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Both ran second in their respective Derby’s. Rascallion to Linebacker in 2021 and Universal to re-opposing, temperamental talent, Pomp and Power in 2022 before setbacks scuppered their ambitions. But their recent efforts after long lay-offs are sufficiently encouraging, and they rate as principal contenders for Grade 2 honours here in preparation for an even bigger upcoming challenge – the WSB Cape Town Met.
Gem King has tested trainer Piet Steyn’s horsemanship skills due to niggling unsoundness, but he is moving better again and can build on fine wins during the Winter Series when stylishly accounting for Future Prince, then Winchester Mansion over this course and distance back in May.
Silvano’s Timer is another that could get involved. He found draw 16 insurmountable in the Peninsula Handicap but prior to that excusable effort he ran way above his official rating not far off Jet Dark in the Cape Mile, then was dominant when giving weight and sidling by Somerset Maugham over this c & d in November.
In addition to the controlling speed, Pomp and Power (more like it last time) trainer Justin Snaith saddles old boy/established G1 veteran Do It Again; last out winner, Nexus who gets on ever so well with jockey Strydom; Warrior and the returning, fine stayer, Silver Host.
Best of this tag team could be Warrior who rates the equal of Silvano’s Timer on collateral form from a November duel. However, jock Grant van Niekerk will need to somehow conjure up a good trip from draw 13 – no simple task.
Future Prince got close to Gem King during the Winter Series but has been less inspiring since a layoff whilst Airways Law has not been a factor since scoring in the Cup Trial at Greyville in June, though Andre Nel should have him fitter now and notably, he is 2/2 second up after a break.
Marathon runner, Nebraas needs an extra lap to get involved and seems a forlorn hope in this 13- strong field.