Small Met fields may become a norm
REASONING: NOT WORTH ANY RATING HIKE IF UNPLACED Top trainer believes the race will be run at a slow pace.
While some racing purists are disappointed that only 11 horses will contest the Cape Town Met, trainer Justin Snaith believes that this number could drop to about eight in future.
The charismatic trainer, who will saddle three runners, yesterday said it often does a horse more harm than good running it in an event of this stature if it has no realistic chance of winning.
“Normally I’d run a horse that maybe could finish fifth, sixth or seventh,” explained Snaith. “Unfortunately, those horses are then badly handicapped for the rest of their lives and at this stage it’s not worth running such horses because there’s not enough to gain and plenty to lose.”
According to Snaith this is one of the factors contributing to smaller fields in premier races, because no trainer wants to see a horse get a 20-point increase in merit rating for running unplaced.
“At the same time, I’d rather see 11 horses in a field that can all win than have 20 of which half cannot win.”
According to Snaith the runners who can’t win, inevitably get in the way.
“I think going forward this race will always have a small field. It might eventually become an eight or nine-horse field, but I don’t see that as a problem, provided it’s eight or nine top-class horses.
Snaith is optimistic his Met runners, Do It Again, Belgarion and African Night Sky, are geared up for competitive runs.
“They’re all doing well at home, I’m very happy, everything’s gone to plan,” he said.
“We are expecting good runs and the jockeys are very confident of their rides.
“It looks like it’s going to be a slow-run race, so we will play it by ear.”
He said it’s always difficult to assess the pace at which a race will be run, and in small fields there is less jostling for position.
Snaith sees the Cape Flying Championship as the race of the day.
“It’s a very strong race. In fact, it’s not the Cape Flying Championship, it’s Africa’s Flying Championship.
“Erik the Red is exceptionally good and is doing very well. Richard [Fourie] chose to ride him, but I don’t know if it’s the right call.
“We are worried about 14 draw for Kasimir. All the speed is on the inside, so that will inevitably leave the outside horses in a bit of trouble. That’s why Richard and Grant [van Niekerk] have opted for Erik the Red and Rio Querari respectively.
That said, he has the world of respect for Kasimir’s ability, regardless of draw or conditions.
“He is a very, very good horse and possibly the best I’ve ever had him for a Group race. I hope the elements aren’t that much against him.”
Snaith is also optimistic about High Hosanna’s chances in the Summer Juvenile Stakes.
“High Hosanna is very good. Make no mistake, she can run. I think she’s way above her age group and I’m expecting a big run from her.
“I’ve put Kwinta’s Light in only because of the weight, but Richard is adamant he’s on the right one in High Hosanna.”
He makes Silver Host one of the better bets. The 12-10 favourite to clinch the Western Cape Stayers is going to be very hard to beat after his recent victory over 2500m”.
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