Camphoratus a big runner in R1 million Charity Mile

Robbie and Shannon Hill-trained Camphoratus caused a massive upset when breaking Oh Susanna’s heart in last season’s Grade 1 Empress Club Stakes.

Before this daughter of Byword defends that title, she will attempt to add the Grade 2 Peermont Emperor’s Palace Charity Mile to her CV when she returns to Turffontein on Saturday afternoon.

“She travels to Johannesburg on Thursday and will stay there after the race,” confirmed Robbie Hill.

“She will basically contest the same races she did last season, with the Empress Club being her main race.

“She is doing very well at the moment and will come on from that last run. She desperately needed it,” he assured.

Considering Camphoratus was returning from a two-month layoff, she was far from disgraced when beaten 4.35 lengths by Tristful.

Her two impressive efforts before that – sixth in the Durban July and narrow second in the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet – surprised many, but not her conditioner.

“I wasn’t shocked by her July performance to be completely honest, I’ve always thought she was very good.

“I think this Turffontein 1600m – over the longer straight – is her best distance. The wide draw (No 14) shouldn’t be too much of an issue because she loves running on from off the pace.”

Geoff Woodruff will saddle Zouaves in the Charity Mile and believes if this six-year-old brings his best form to the course, he has a solid chance.

“He is currently in good form and tends to show up in these big races so you can never count him out,” he advised.

“My only real concern is the wide draw (18) and the fact I believe the mile (1600m) – especially on the Standside track – may be a bit too far for him. I think his best trip is the 1450m on the Inside track or 1400m on the Standside.

“With that said, he is very honest and is working really well at home. I’m happy with him.”

When asked about his two best runners on the card, Woodruff said: “They would have to be Insignis in the Yellowwood Handicap (Grade 2) and Sunshine Silk in the Java Handicap (Listed).

“Insignis is doing very well and although she shoulders topweight I think the draw (No 3) will help her. She has proven that she is most effective over this course and distance.”

Interestingly, Insignis beat Camphoratus over it in the Listed Jacaranda Handicap in March.

“Sunshine Silk has lots of class and loves this 2400m trip,” added Woodruff.

“She will have to deal with a wide draw (No 8), but I think she has a really good chance.”