Meu Capitano is tipped to win a wide open Gr 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)
A real puzzle for punters, but a great spectacle for racing fans! The 2024 renewal of the R500 000 De Grendel Cape Merchants (Gr2) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday has attracted a maximum field of twenty runners and being a handicap, the spread of weights ranges from 63kgs (Surjay) all the way down to 52kgs (Gimmelightning). The race forms the third leg of Sunday’s R250 000 Jackpot carryover and one’s first instinct is to include the “field” and narrow down the remaining three legs.
But I am going to take my chances with a short list of five runners, headed by the in-form and lightly weighted Meu Capitano from the Piet Steyn stable. With just 53kgs to shoulder, Steyn had to go in search of a suitable jockey and has engaged the services of the very capable Highveld-based Chase Maujean. With Kaisarissa a scratching from the opening race, Meu Capitano will be Maujean’s only ride for the day and the 4yo son of Captain Of All could provide Chase with a memorable rare visit to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
If Meu Capitano rates a strong chance, then so does the very game and consistent Dance Variety as there should not be much to choose between the pair. It may not be in Dance Variety’s favour that he jumps out of Gate 18, but one can only hope that track bias does not play a meaningful role in the outcome. Adam Marcus’ runner is in a very good space right now and Dance Variety has been specifically targeted for the De Grendel Cape Merchants. Regular pilot Corne Orffer will be in the saddle.
Of the top weighted runners, my preference lies with At My Command. He has not been seen since September, but the Brett & James Crawford yard have enjoyed a wonderful run of success and At My Command ranks right up there with the best sprinters around. Interestingly, Craig Zackey has opted to ride At My Command in preference to the Kannemeyer-trained The Real Prince and Cosmic Highway, all of which are raced by Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables.
Future Variety makes it into my top five selections. He has been a little below par in recent outings and will need to improve, but he if can reproduce his Diadem Stakes performance earlier this year, when a close second to Thunderstruck, then he can certainly make his presence felt here. He likes to race from a little off the early pace, but he quickens well over the last 200m, and his course and distance form speaks volumes.
Mia Moo makes her Western Cape debut and could be dangerous with just 52,5kgs on her back. Josh Solomons takes the ride for the Sean Tarry stable and this talented 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix should give plenty of cheek in a tough and competitive event. So those are my top five choices but given the size of the field, the potential for an unfavourable track bias coupled with the inevitable catalogue of post-race hard luck stories, this year’s renewal of the De Grendel Cape Merchants is up for grabs and, whatever the outcome, it’s going to be fun to watch.
The fifth race and first leg of the carryover Jackpot, an Open Maiden over 1600m, should be a four-cornered contest between Victor Hugo, Ariovistus, Scottish Links and Bounceback. From pole position Victor Hugo may enjoy a slight advantage but it’s noteworthy that Richard Fourie has opted for Bounceback who is faced with the widest draw of all.
Race 6, a Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, could go the way of the Eric Sands-trained Solomons Seal. The very good-looking 4yo son of Potala Palace made an eye-catching seasonal debut when a close fourth behind Big Unit five weeks ago. Gavin Lerena takes the ride, and from only five opportunities, he has already posted three winners for the Sands’ stable. Dawn Till Dusk, representing the very much in-form team of Justin Snaith and JP van der Merwe, rates an obvious threat but The Grey King and Willie John are also worthy of consideration.
The final leg of the carryover Jackpot, a Class 4 (F&M) over 1400m, billed as the eighth race on the programme, sees nine fillies face the starter and Swiatek will be a popular choice to register her second career victory from only three starts. Miraculous should do better than last time and get closer to Swiatek but watch out for possible improvement from Sweetie Darling. She has her peak run here and will appreciate the step-up in trip.
The first of nine races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, a Maiden Plate over 1200m, gets under way at 12:20.
