Noth-er star on the ascension for Cape Classic
A brilliant array of potentially top-class three-year-old colts and one filly line up for the Cape Classic when racing returns to Kenilworth on Saturday.
Many a big reputation is on the line, but the one who could pass this major test with flying colours is the so-impressive Langerman winner Tap O’ Noth.
This son of Captain Al quickened in the manner of something truly special that day and is almost certainly going to turn out way better than his current merit rating of 96.
Trainer Vaughan Marshall and jockey MJ Byleveld teamed up to win the Cape Guineas last year with another son of recently deceased stallion Captain Al and the same combination could well have a major say in the outcome of that race again when it is run on 16 December.
Tap O’ Noth’s unbeaten record disappeared when only getting going late on his return in a Graduation Plate a month ago, but he was badly out at the weights with subsequent Grade 3 Matchem Stakes winner Our Mate Art, so going down by less than a length was a praiseworthy performance.
“He has come on nicely since his last run and I expect a big performance. My only worry is that the distance may be slightly sharp given the short run in on the winter course,’’ said Marshall. With a handy 55kg, this exciting prospect is going to be hard to deny.
Cot Campbell finished a neck in front of Tap O’ Noth last time and is 1kg worse off. The first foal of Ebony Flyer had race fitness on his side on that occasion and may struggle to repeat, but Justin Snaith’s imposing colt has to come into the reckoning with 53kg.
Best-weighted by far on official ratings is one-time winner but multiple Group placed filly Rockin Russian. She was only beaten 0.50 lengths in the Thekwini Stakes at Greyville on Gold Cup Day and signalled her current well-being with a good third in the Joburg Spring F&M Challenge.
When approached for comment Sean Tarry said: “My filly travelled well, and arrived in Cape Town on Monday morning. I expect her to be a major player at the weights.’’
With a paltry 50.5kg to shoulder it would be hard to argue with that analysis, and she rates a real danger.
Billy Silver was something of a "talking horse" before he even hit the track, but has proven he can walk the walk with a couple of facile sprint victories.
“He has been in Cape Town for three weeks, and is ultimately being aimed at one of the $500,000 dollar races on Met Day,” said trainer Dennis Bosch.
Those races are over 1200m and 1600m, so how he fares in this 1400m will provide an indication as to which one he will be going for. He is yet to face anything of any real class, but the manner of his wins has hinted at ability.
Top weight Dutch Philip was last season’s Cape champion juvenile and is already a Grade 3 and Listed winner. This colt oozes quality, but will have to be a true champion to give 5kg and more to the field.