Sand And Sea to miss Cape Merchants

Sand And Sea, shortened from 12-1 to 7-1 for the Cape Merchants after his impressive return in a Progress Plate, but unfortunately has been scratched and will not run in Saturday’s Grade 2 showpiece, reason being injury on www. gallop.co.za.

Drier said after last Saturday’s race: “It is a great pity that the Merchants is only a week away. We will see how Sand And Sea comes out of this race and then decide.”

The four-year-old was a revelation. This was his first appearance for seven months – after being gelded and having an operation on his wind – yet he travelled well throughout and swept clear inside the final furlong to win comfortably.

Significantly Anton Marcus said: “He is probably even better than this. His engine is still there, and he is willing and able.”