Gimme a Prince and Rio Querari fought out a humdinger in the G1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m and they are set to duel again over an extra furlong in the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes Grade 2.

 

It was a brilliant performance by Gimme a Prince (his fifth victory from seven starts) as he accelerated smoothly down the inside rail to reward backers who had punted him in from 10’s right down to 7/2. Dean Kannemeyer targeted the Diadem some time back for owner/sponsors Khaya Stables, and the top class Gimmethegreenlight gelding is bound to run another huge race.

 

Rio Querari’s career looked to be in decline as an arthritic joint took its toll on his vitality. He needed a couple of runs back to achieve full fitness and was actually slightly unlucky to go down to Gimme a Prince in the Flying Champs – being bumped, before hurtling home in 21.9 seconds for the final 200m. He won this in 2021, ran third to Cosmic Highway in ’22 and should feature prominently yet again.

 

Three-year old, We’re Jamming is an emerging sprint talent. On a December clash with Gimme a Prince he should finish close to that rival and build on an excellent course and distance record (three wins and a second from four runs.)

 

Drill Hall winner Silver Operator is best over 1400/1600m but is classy enough to get into the fray and blinkers should sharpen him up for this challenge.

 

Others to factor in for wider P6 perms (the pool is estimated to reach R5 million) include Trip of Fortune and Cosmic Highway. At a stretch for single-race exotics like trifectas and quartets – Bereave, Countdown, Firealley, and Gladatorian could be considered.

 

The former is enigmatic but can hit high numbers on a going day and the same applies to Cosmic Highway, who won this race last year from Trip of Fortune, but has sketchy form since.

 

Bereave, Countdown, Firealley and Gladatorian (legendary trainer Dennis Drier’s final runner, together with Cartel Captain, before he retires) lack the natural ability of the market principals. However, they are fit and in form speedballs that might outrun their odds and bump up the quartet divvy.