Express will not trip up in Cape

Ken Nicol

On a day when a few favourites look good at Durbanville on today, the standout of standouts is Trippi’s Express in Race 1.

He was a clear second to subsequent Listed Sophomore Sprint winner Pleasedtomeetyou on debut, and the third and fourth finishers there have both won their next starts easily. He looks a five-star bet, despite being drawn widest of the eight runners.

Also leaping off the page is Crown Towers in Race 7. This Australian import was heavily supported on debut over a sprint trip, and looked rather special as he cruised clear of what appeared a decent maiden line up.

He wasn’t unduly punished by the handicappers with a mark of 85, and from the inside draw can be expected to follow up comfortably over a more suitable 1400m.

This could well close off another good day for the Justin Snaith-Richard Fourie combination, as in Race 2 the extremely well-bred Juniper Spring has been costly to follow, but really does appear hard to oppose on this occasion.

Strongest race of the day is Race 6, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m. Best in on paper is top weight La Favourari, but this sixyear-old gelding appears to have his problems, and has only appeared twice since last October.

He did show some signs of life when only fading late upon his latest return a month ago, and at best is a serious contender.

Valbonne looks the one to beat, though. This improving colt won on his only previous appearance at this track, and beDatOa

being 3kg up in the weights he has a that performRaAnCcEe.1