Kotzen sets the standard
GLEN KOTZEN is expecting a good run from Gold Standard in Saturday’s WSB Green Point even though last year’s Cape Guineas runner-up has only had one run since finishing fourth in the Sun Met.
Kotzen said: “We galloped him at the course last Wednesday, we are really pleased with him and he is ready. I think he will give them all a run for their money.”
Princess Victoria
Interestingly the Woodhill trainer, who won the 2011 Fillies Guineas with Princess Victoria, believes the Snowdance form just might be a little suspect, reasoning: “There were so many hard luck stories that I’m just wondering about it even though Snowdance is obviously a very talented filly.”
He runs 25-1 chance Too Phat To Fly - who was fourth to Snowdance in last month’s Grade 2 test - as well as 40-1 shots Princess Peach and Elusive Heart who is the only horse ever to have beaten Saturday’s favourite.
He said: “Too Phat To Fly worked like a steam train on Tuesday and I’m expecting her to run a super race.
“We think a lot of Elusive Heart who was caught wide in the Western Cape Fillies. I’m not quite sure whether Princess Peach will get the mile but, if she does, she will be competitive.”
Rose In Bloom
Joey Ramsden, in the winner’s box with Just Sensual 12 months ago, is under no illusions about the chances of a follow-up – “Snowdance looks pretty special and Rose In Bloom (16-1) has a lot do from draw 15. She is certainly Grade 2 material but it’s a tough ask.
“Fresnaye (50-1), though, has a lovely draw and the new course will suit her.
“She wants a bit further but she could surprise and run into a place.”
Attenborough
Ramsden expects both 10-1 shot Attenborough and Brutal Force (14-1) to run well in the Cape Merchants, saying: “Brutal Force always needs one run and he has had that while Attenborough ran a great race last time.
“On his day he is the real deal.” AS has become customary on big Cape racedays Justin Snaith sends out a battalion of runners on Saturday.
Pride of place of course goes to Grade 1 World Sports Betting (WSB) Fillies Guineas favourite Snowdance.
“She is doing very well and has come on quite a bit from her last run.
“Everything seems to be in her favour including the draw this time and I have no worries about her getting the mile. A top, top filly.”
He also expects a big effort from Oh Susanna in the same race.
Van Niekerk
“She was most unlucky last time – raced five wide at the back. If Grant van Niekerk can overcome her bad draw she will be involved in the finish.’’
No less than four Snaith inmates line up in the Grade 2 WSB Merchants over 1 200m.
Sergeant Hardy was a weak 5-1 favourite at the time of writing.
“He is very well, but the outside draw is against him.
“He tends to hang to the outside, but has the pace to get over to the middle of the track, and will run well.’’
On Bishop’s Bounty – “he ran away with Richard Fourie last time and was very disappointing.
“The idea is to cover him up this time and he should run a far better race.’’
Heartland seems to be quietly fancied by the yard.
“He has had a good prep, and with 52.5kg is a big runner and should be in the money.’’
Cuban Emerald
Last but by no means least is Cuban Emerald.
“He has been prepped specifically for this race, and we have made sure he comes in with bottom weight.
“He must be included in all permutations’,’ insists Snaith.
In the Grade 2 WSB Green Point Stakes rank outsider Copper Force takes his chances.
“He has shown glimpses of real class, such as when second to William Longsword. He is hugely consistent and could upset,’’ is the verdict on this one.
African Night Sky
“For those wondering about the absence of African Night Sky Snaith explains “he was never going to run here.
“The plan was to run him in the Listed Jet Master Stakes on the same day as the Cape Guineas, but the operator on 7 November moved that race to February, which we are most unhappy about.
“We are going to gallop him at the course on 18 December, along with Elusive Silva, who tweaked a tendon before the July.’’
- Tabnews