Vigilante to strike in Cape

It might be Monday but today’s card at Durbanville has not dished up the customary mundane midweek fare.

The feature-race programme in the Western Cape gets into gear this weekend with the running of the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes and Diana Stakes, both over 1400m at Durbanville, and trainers are starting to get their better horses prepared for these events.

As a result, there are some very good horses in action today. Having said that, the racing remains competitive and there is still some doubt as to the readiness of certain horses.

Race 2, a MR 74 Handicap over 1000m, sees Masked Vigilante having his second start after a layoff. Brett Crawford’s charge won both runs as a two-year-old, including the Klawervlei Farm Sale (NonBlack Type) over 1250m at Durbanville.

That was a remarkable performance because he was drawn widest of all at No 12, which is not an easy task for any runner at Durbanville. But the son of Vercingetorix proved way too good for his opposition and received high praise from jockey Greg Cheyne at the time.

We did not see him again until 4 September when he contested the Listed Sophomore Sprint over 1200m at Kenilworth where he led early but faded out to finish sixth, 6.80 lengths behind well-backed stable companion Zapatillas.

The fact Masked Vigilante drifted to 20-1 was clear indication he needed that race. He might prefer a little further but with Louis Mxothwa up and drawn No 3 this time, he looks the runner to beat.

Casa Inverno is unbeaten in two starts at Durbanville but Glen Kotzen’s charge takes on the colts for the first time.

Justin Snaith runs Inferno who ran poorly last time but was gelded two days later. He must be in with a chance if not in need of the run.