All About Al is the selection in the seventh (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
Cape Racing stages an eight-race programme at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth where the first race and opening leg of the Bipot, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1100m, is due to start at 12:55. There are six newcomers amongst the field of ten runners but, of those that have raced, World Of Pleasure caught the eye when running a promising second on debut behind Banff.
By the exciting One World and trained by Vaughan Marshall, World of Pleasure can be expected to show further improvement with the benefit of that run under his belt. At face value he has the measure of Impact Investor and Prohibition but watch out for a market springer before finalising your Bipot selections.
Peter Muscutt has not enjoyed an easy time in the Western Cape this season but Givethatmanabells, despite the worst of the draw, could be the one to follow in the opening leg of the Place Accumulator. He did not get the run of the race last time but judged on his previous three runs he should give Richard Fourie an excellent chance of finding the winner’s enclosure. Salute The Flag could capitalise on being drawn in pole position and rates a threat while both Go It Alone and In The Bag should have a hand in the finish. On best form Etoilefillant could surprise for new trainer Des MacLachlan. Gold Gunner has been off the track since his indifferent debut in September, but he has his first run as a gelding and could improve significantly.
Race 3, the opening leg of the Pick 6, is a Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1400m and Qhawekazi and Hampstead Heath appear to be the leading lights. Plum Pudding is another likely improver as she has two fair efforts down the straight to her credit and will appreciate going around the turn. Fastnet Filly has not been seen since November and is another who could improve, particularly given the current form of the Brett Crawford stable.
Storm Boulevard has done enough to suggest he can win the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1800m, but the race has a wide open appearance and there are many with chances. Lockheedlightning is well exposed and clearly has limitations, but his last two efforts have been better. French Tripp has the come-on-look and can progress further and Mr Belvedere has obvious claims on his recent form. He has yet to be tried beyond 1600m but there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree and the further he goes the better he should be. Four Jacks, Kwite A King, Apache Chief and Fly Futura cannot be overlooked in a very trappy contest.
And it does not get any easier in Race 5, the Cape B Stakes over 2200m. Royal Watch, Natyam, Gimme More Time and the much-improved Marhsall Field make up the short-list with a slight preference for Royal Watch who has his peak run and will appreciate stepping up in trip.
Candice Bass-Robinson was in terrific form on Tuesday, and she could produce the winner of the sixth race in the form of Kamakazi. The daughter of Captain Of All does have an awkward draw but she could confirm the form with Red Moon Rising who appears the principal danger. Go Like Flo has won her last three starts on the bounce and rates an obvious threat but on past form there is every chance that Kamakazi will have her measure this time around.
The seventh race, the Cape B Stakes over 1200m, is very competitive and a close finish seems on the cards. The consistent All About Al will have as good a chance as any but Teflon Man and Tenango are likely to make their presence felt. Moya Wa Laliga and the capable but inconsistent Dumbledore must be considered while Night Tiger goes well for Morne Winnaar, and the son of Rafeef could prove to be the lurker in the pack. Gimmelightning has shown his best form to date over 1000m but could surprise in this line-up.
The meeting closes out with the Cape B Stakes (F&M) over 1100m and the lightly weighted Dame Of Trix, winner of her only start to date, could be equal to the step-up in grade. Debutante Stakes (Gr 2) winner Cala Muretta has been campaigning in Feature races ever since her maiden win back in May last year and will appreciate the step back in class. I expect her to make a bold bid in this line-up. Porque Te Vas is useful at best and on the strength of her penultimate run when a close third to The Abdicator, the daughter of Querari is must for all permutations. Trip to Maputo is the early market leader but has shown her best form over slightly further while Knockout is capable on her day and would not be winning out of turn. A tough race to end a challenging day’s racing!
