Queen’s Plate hots up
Legal Eagle is odds-on to repeat last year’s win in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate at Kenilworth on Saturday but the connections of second favourite Marinaresco are not put off, particularly after the Champions Cup winner’s gallop on the course last week.
“It was a 1 000m sprintup on his own and he has been doing very well,” said Candice Bass-Robinson. “Unfortunately he is again not drawn well and I don’t think he is as good over a mile (1 600m) as he is over 2 000m. Legal Eagle is a hard horse to beat over a mile but we are going to give it a try.”
The Conglomerate has been drifting in the market but few punters witnessed the Vodacom Durban July winner’s final work-out over the full race distance at Kenilworth last Saturday.
“It was probably the best bit of work he has ever done,” said Joey Ramsden. “In a way this is a prep for the Met – he does need another race – but his Summer Cup run was incredible and he is not in this just to make up the numbers.”
Captain America, fourth last year and 14-1 this time, is the shortestpriced of Brett Crawford’s three (“he is in good form”) with Sail South (35-1) and 60-1 shot Midnite Zone his other two. The presence of the last-named raises the intriguing possibility that he could be used to make the pace for Legal Eagle and The Conglomerate as he also carries the Mayfair colours. But too searching a gallop could play into Marinaresco’s stamina strengths.
Bela-Bela is favourite for the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes but seemingly stable companion Star Express has a better chance than her 9-1 price would suggest. “Bela-Bela needed her run last month and has been doing very well since,” said Justin Snaith. “But Star Express will be right there. She is a very good filly and there won’t be much between her and Bela-Bela.”
Silver Mountain (best price 33-10) has 1,5 lengths to find with Bela-Bela on last month’s 1 400m run. “I certainly wouldn’t say she can’t do it – depends whether she gets the trip,” said Mrs Bass Robinson. “She has done will since that run and she is drawn well so Grant will be able to slot her into a nice position.”
Mike Robinson, bullish about 16-1 shot Goodtime Gal, points out that this is the second run after a break for the two at the head of the market (suggesting that they could be vulnerable). “Mine will be the fittest horse in the race,” he said. “It’s a pity Richard Fourie couldn’t stick with her (he is claimed for Final Judgement) but she is a straightforward ride so I don’t think Gavin Lerena will have any problems.”