Older horses should do best in Met

Former champion jockey S’manga Khumalo will miss out on this year’s Sun Met due to an injured knee, but this hasn’t affected his love or interest for the game. “I’ve had issues with my back due to a bad knee, but I’m no longer in pain, thanks to my therapist,” he said.

He reckons the older seasoned campaigners will fight out the first two placings in the Sun Met celebrated with G.H Mumm (Grade 1) over 2000m.

“This looks a very competitive Met, but we’re all rooting for Legal Eagle. He is all class and there’s no doubt he can stay 2000m. He’s finished second in the last two installments of the race, however, I’m a bit worried about his wide No 15 draw.”

Brett Crawford-trained Captain America has never won over trips longer than 1600m and although he’s failed to finish ahead of Legal Eagle in 10 meetings, Khumalo believes the son of Captain Al is in with a big chance.

“Captain America impressed me in the Queen’s Plate last time. As far as facing tough opposition and holding his own, he’s done well. He has a good draw at No 3 and if they let him get away, I fear they won’t catch him,” he gushed.

Khumalo believes it’s a mammoth task asking three and four-year-olds to beat older Grade 1 winners. “A lot of these youngsters will have a lot to prove. It is tough beating Legal Eagle, but anything can happen and Snaith-trained Oh Susanna could be a massive runner with 51.5kg on her back. You might have to go wide in this race.”

The Quartet Maxipool is expected to reach a massive R4.5-million and when asked about his 1-23-4 he said: “That’s tough, but because of the draw I’d say Captain America, Legal Eagle, Oh Susanna and Nother Russia.”