Marshall’s ‘World’ looking rosy
Vaughan Marshall has made the Forus Cape Guineas his own in recent years, and undefeated One World is sure to go off very near the top of the bookmakers boards when the big race rolls around on 15 December.
In fact the experienced conditioner has recorded a remarkable five wins in this three-yearold showpiece, with Sea Warrior (1986), Face North (1990), Captain Al (2000), William Longsword (2016) and Tap O’ Noth (2017) all emerging victorious.
Of course the late lamented Captain Al also sired William Longsword, Tap O’ Noth, and One World, so he has certainly made a solid contribution to the stable’s success!
Vaughan Marshall gave us the inside path on some of his more prominent inmates early one Friday morning at his Milnerton base. Three-year-olds: ONE WORLD: He was only about 80% fit when winning at Durbanville on Saturday, but we had to start his season somewhere.
It was a big-hearted effort, and I was very pleased with the guts he showed.
His next appearance will be in the Cape Classic or Concord Cup (previously the Selangor Cup) definitely not both. But obviously his main aim is the Forus Cape Guineas.
He also qualifies for the R5 Million CTS Mile on Sun Met day, and should get 2000m comfortably in time. He races up with the speed, but doesn’t over exert himself.
AGENT OF FORTUNE: He won the Kuda Sprint on Sun Met day impressively in his only start, but when we took him to Durban we found he had chipped a knee. He is back in work and the plan is to run him in the CTS Ready To Run on 24 November, and the CTS Mile on Met day.
PROVOCATEUR: He is a decent type who could win a Listed race in time. He made a pleasing comeback run on Saturday four lengths off One World.
TOP OF THE CLASS: Very speedy, and above average. He seems best over 1000m, and I ran him too soon to his previous race last time.
JARDIN: A nice horse, but restricted distance wise. He is another very fast one who will win his races.
CANUKEEPITSECRET: She is doing very well, and her next appearance will be in the Laisserfaire over 1100m in mid-November. We’ll see what happens after that, but she is a classy filly. Older horses: TAP O’ NOTH: He stayed on nicely in the Matchem Stakes last Saturday after not having the greatest luck in running, and 1400m is clearly now too short for him. Anton Marcus was very pleased with his effort, and his main aims are the Queen’s Plate and Sun Met.
LORD BALMORAL: He won a good race over 1400m in Durban, but we have decided to keep him to sprinting in the near future. He is doing well, and will run in the Merchants on 24 November, and we will take things from there.