Equus champion sprinter Kasimir defends his Gr1 Cape Flying Championship title at Kenilworth on Sun Met day Saturday and takes on Brett Crawford’s outstanding unbeaten Foxwedge filly Run Fox Run in what could be one of the races of the day.
Defending champions Richard Fourie and Kasimir (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
A handsome athletic specimen, Captain Al’s 5yo son Kasimir was our best sprinter last term and he could well hold the edge over his rivals in a bid to win this summer speed pinnacle for the second year running. He takes on some accomplished quickies, but if back to his best looks the closest thing to a Pick 6 banker on the day,
Dual stakes winner Run Fox Run has won five from five and steps into mixed company – and at the highest level, for the first time in her career. The daughter of Foxwedge has ground to make on Kasimir and she could well be more effective over the 1200m in this company. Her performance will be closely monitored and the historical success of the girls in this race suggests a victory is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Unbeaten Run Fox Run – faces her biggest test (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Her stablemate, the lightly campaigned Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner Pacific Trader, returned to action after a short rest with enthusiasm last time to chase Chimichuri Run all the way to the line. He ran a 2,35 length fourth in this race last year behind Kasimir.
Sean Tarry’s Chimichuri Run beat Pacific Trader with authority over the course and distance of his campaign opening run here earlier this month. The son of Trippi will find Kasimir (beaten 2 lengths there) a different proposition in terms of fitness this time round though.
The hard-knocking Bold Respect is held by Chimichuri Run on his last start when beaten 1,50 lengths, but is sure to challenge for place money on his best form.
The superquick PE raider Princess Rebel was a doubtful starter as we went to print on Tuesday in view of an AHS cloud hanging over Fairview.
Cape Merchants winner Russet Air might find the pace over the minimum trip a trifle hot in this company at these weights. That said, he looks sure to be running on into minor money.
Merchants winner Russet Air – set to pick up the pieces (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Pleasedtomeetyou has been on the fringes of the places but is battling to find a finishing effort.
Celestial Storm looks well held by Run Fox Run on her Southern Cross Stakes third and she is up against it in this company.
Elusive Trader was a shock winner of the Southeaster Sprint last time but this will be much tougher,
Piere Strydom is an interesting jockey engagement for Machiavelli, who looks in at the deep end here.
We are siding with Kasimir to find his best stride and bounce back to winning ways. Run Fox Run and Pacific Trader look the dangers.
