King to deny the Prince
Snaith runner could take fillies’ Stormsvlei Stakes. CLOSE CALL: VERY LITTLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TOP TWO ON LAST RUN
Trainer Piet Steyn knows what it takes to win the Winter Series at Kenilworth, after all he did it with Katak two years ago.
This year he has the first leg wrapped up when Gem King won the Grade 3 World Sports Betting Variety Club Stakes over 1600m and now four weeks later he will be hoping to claim the second leg, the WSB Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m on the Winter Course at Kenilworth tomorrow.
Remarkably, a few hours before Gem King takes to the track for his race, Katak will be lining up at Kranji Racecourse in Singapore to contest the Grade 1 Kranji Mile.
And as was the case with Katak, Gem King runs in the colours of Marsh Shirtliff, so what a day it will be for him if he could get a double victory.
Those white, pink and blue colours have been prominent in the Winter Series as they were also worn by Pocket Power, who started his career by getting his name etched on the series trophy.
The Variety Club Stakes was run over 1600m, and Future Prince looked all over a winner coming into the closing stages but was touched off by Gem King close home who went on to win by 0.40 lengths.
The pair renew rivalry but this time Brett Crawford-trained Future Prince is 1kg better off and that could see him turn the table. In addition, the Winter Course has a shorter run-in which could benefit the frontrunner. On the other side of the coin, the additional 200m could suit Gem King as he was the better finisher on the day.
Crawford's charge was having just his fifth career outing and his first after a two-month break, so Future Prince should return a fitter and more battle-hardened.
There is a change of jockey on Gem King as Bernard Fayd’Herbe rode him last time but on this occasion Richard Fourie is in the irons, certainly an exceptionally skilled replacement, so that should not make much difference.
Luyola Mxothwa retains the ride on Future Prince.
A runner to consider for Swinger and Trifecta purposes is Justin Snaith-trained Pacaya who finished fourth in the Variety Club Mile.
This highly regarded son of Trippi was probably in need of that outing after a rest, during which he was gelded, and remains open to further improvement.
On official ratings Pacaya is the best-weighted runner and with improved fitness on his side, should make his presence felt in the finish.
Grant van Niekerk takes the ride.
In Race 6, the fillies' equivalent - the Listed Stormsvlei Stakes over 1800m - Snaith's Peut Etre Moi is the runner to be with in an open contest. This Master Of My Fate filly had won over 1400m and 1600m prior to finishing third in a 2000m Listed event last time out and the 200m cut back in distance should suit.
Lightly raced Going Up from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard looks a major threat as she gives the impression she will be better the further she goes. Aldo Domeyer takes the ride.