Sprint is the race of the day
SPEED: THE PACE WILL BE ON FROM THE OUTSET IN THE CAPE FLYING CHAMPIONSHIP
➼ Captain’s Ransom could spoil treble hopes of Clouds Unfold in Majorca Stakes.
While much of the focus will be on the Cape Town Met, there are five other feature races on the card, including two Grade 1s – the Cape Flying Championship over 1000m and the Majorca Stakes over 1600m.
Most people agree the Cape Flying Championship could be the race of the day. Trainer Justin Snaith has three prolific runners in the field, and he expresses the same sentiment. “It’s a very strong race. In fact, it’s not the Cape Flying Championship, it’s Africa’s Flying Championship.
“We will undoubtedly see the fastest horses in the country in action.”
Snaith saddles experienced Kasimir who won in 2019, Rio Querari and new sprinting star, Erik The Red. The latter is unbeaten over 1000m and was the first choice of stable jockey Richard Fourie. Kasimir is drawn No 14 and Fourie feels the speed will be down the inside and lower number draws will have an advantage.
Celtic Sea, however, is probably the runner to beat. As a three-time Grade 1 winning mare, Sean Tarry’s charge doesn’t have to punch above her weight to be victorious. She showed her versatility at 1000m when she beat Run Fox Run comfortably in the Sceptre Stakes.
Gavin Lerena has had a lot of success on her having ridden her 10 times for six wins and four places.
Lightly raced Run Fox Run has Anton Marcus up in the saddle, and she is improving with every race. She cannot be left out of any bet.
This Majorca Stakes looks a straight duel between the two-time winner and the heir apparent.
Clouds Unfold has been a sensation since the first time she appeared at a racecourse. She coasted home on debut and then went on to win seven of her first nine starts.
Now the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained five-year-old will be looking to pull off a Majorca Stakes treble, having won this race in 2019 and 2020.
Standing in her way is Justin Snaith-trained three-year-old Captain’s Ransom. This daughter of Captain Al has run five times for four wins and a close second. She beat Clouds Unfold (now 5kg better off) in the Diana Stakes by 0.30 lengths and then easily on the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas, by 2.25 lengths.
Preference is for the younger filly, and Snaith is brimming with confidence. “She’s flying and she’s going to take some beating,” said Snaith.
Bass-Robinson, however, predicts a good run from Clouds Unfold, as well as three-year-old Chat Ching, who finished fourth in the Grade 1 Paddock Sakes behind Queen Supreme last time.