Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday with a nine-race card headlined by the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m - a traditional stepping-stone to December’s Grade 1 Cape Guineas - and the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m.
The meeting marks a welcome return to Cape Town’s premier venue, with several early-season stars emerging as the summer pattern takes shape.
Grade 1 Gold Medallion winner Good For You sets a high standard in the Cape Classic. Glen Kotzen’s Legislate gelding made a smart return at Durbanville last month when only collared late by the highly regarded All The Rage over 1250m.
That was a run full of merit, suggesting he has trained on well from a two-year-old to a three-year-old and will relish this longer trip. He gives weight away from the widest draw under 60kg, but even so, it will take a good one to lower his colours. A bold, front-running ride from Chad Little could make him a tough nut to crack.
The main danger looks to be Aristocratic, joint best-weighted and already battle-hardened after a third in the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes against older horses on his seasonal debut. Dean Kannemeyer has the Cape Guineas in mind with this Danon Platina colt, who should strip fitter for that outing and looks perfectly suited to Kenilworth’s longer straight.
Absolutely Yes, himself a son of Danon Platina and winner of the Langerman Futurity last season, adds further depth to a high-quality renewal. On form and progression, boxed Swinger and Trifecta bets including Good For You, Aristocratic and Absolutely Yes look a shrewd play.
In the Listed Southeaster Sprint, Greg Ennion holds a strong two-pronged hand with Sardinia Bay and Arctic Wizard, both unbeaten since being gelded. Sardinia Bay comes into this off a hat-trick, carries just 52kg and reunites with Muzi Yeni, who rode Arctic Wizard to his last two wins. His light weight and sharp turn of foot make him a lively contender. Arctic Wizard, meanwhile, continues to improve and looks a serious sprinter in the making. With Corne Orffer now aboard, he’s good value to complete a stable Exacta for the in-form Ennion yard.
Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 6 Mrs Shackleton, 10 Laydelay, 1 Whatastar, 2 Morfeliha
Race 2: 7 Gallic King, 10 Protector Of Peace, 1 Hilton Heads, 5 Touched By Angels
Race 3: 9 Seven No Trump, 7 Silver Salute, 2 Vixens War, 14 Taylor's Version
Race 4: 8 Nannie Gold, 1 Boozy Susie, 6 Elisa Mbali, 4 Rose Woott
Race 5: 4 Native Ruler, 6 Okavango, 1 Captain West, 8 Hat's Pride
Race 6: 3 Sardinia Bay, 6 Scottish Kiss, 2 Dean Street, 1 Arctic Wizard
Race 7: 10 Good For You, 8 Aristocratic, 9 Randolph Hearst, 7 Absolutely Yes
Race 8: 8 Green Gateway, 12 Freedom Fighter, 4 Star Major, 9 Kwagga Blitz
Race 9: 1 Up In Flames, 11 Wait For Me, 5 Homing Pigeon, 8 Vivo Per Lei
BEST BET
Race 5: 4 Native Ruler
VALUE BET
Race 6: 3 Sardinia Bay
BEST SWINGER
Race 4 8x11
BIPOT
R144
Leg 1: 1, 7, 10
Leg 2: 2, 7, 9
Leg 3: 8, 11
Leg 4: 4
Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 6
Leg 6: 8, 10
PLACE ACCUMULATOR
Leg 1: 2, 7, 9
Leg 2: 8, 11
Leg 3: 4
Leg 4: 2, 3, 6
Leg 5: 10
Leg 6: 4, 8, 12
Leg 7: 1, 5, 11
PICK 6
R800
Leg 1: 1, 4, 8, 11
Leg 2: 4
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8
Leg 4: 8, 9, 10
Leg 5: 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
Leg 6: 1, 5, 10, 11
JACKPOT 1
R50
Leg 1: 4
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8
Leg 3: 8, 9, 10
Leg 4: 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
JACKPOT 2
R200
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8
Leg 2: 8, 9, 10
Leg 3: 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
Leg 4: 1, 5, 10, 11