There are four G1 winners in the Grade 2 World Sports Betting Green Point Stakes over 1600m, a traditional WFA prep ahead of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate on January 7, 2023.

 

With champion miler Jet Dark scratched (under medication for a minor injury,) Kommetdieding now stands out as the most probable winner. Though more renowned for his middle-distance exploits, Kommetdieding caught the eye with a flashy dash in a warm-up sprint, nearly toppling Surjay, and has previously run big enough figures over 1600m to win this.

 

Universal, who has his second run after an injury-enforced layoff and gelding, has untapped potential. He sustained that injury when showing himself to be about the equal of enigmatic talent, Pomp and Power in the Cape Derby and could be dangerous if restored to fighting trim.

 

We may also not have seen the absolute best of Bass Racing’s, Trip of Fortune who was unlucky to find traffic in his last start and heads into this race fit and in good form.

 

Gareth Wright partners feisty pace-pressing companion, Firealley, but looks under-powered compared to Kommetdieding’s accomplishments.

 

Golden Ducat belatedly made a fine return in the Cape Mile when 2.75 lengths behind Jet Dark at level weights. Eric Sands will have him fitter a month on, and the son of Philanthropist can work out a ground saving trip from draw 2.

 

Silver Operator has admirable form but rates a few ticks below what it takes to win these sorts of races.

 

Vaughan Marshall also saddles companions Linebacker and Rascallion – familiar foes from spirited clashes as high-class three-year-olds.

 

The latter is bravely trying to stage a comeback after doing a suspensory when beating Do It Again at levels in December 2021; ran encouragingly to Jet Dark in November and is working great ahead of this engagement.

 

Linebacker can mix it with the best, having nearly capsized Kommetdieding a few times yet ideally prefers a longer route than this.

 

Waterberry Lane completes the 10 strong field but must shine up to threaten the proven heavy hitters.