The smart Silvano gelding Strathdon bids to win the R250 000 Gr3 Cape Summer Stayers Handicap for the second consecutive year when he takes on seven opponents over the 2500m Kenilworth Summer track today.
Strathdon wins Woolavington (Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Grant van Niekerk was aboard the good stayer when he won under a handy 52kg in 2017. The Foster galloper’s merit rating has increased considerably in the past year and he carries an additional 8.5kg on Saturday.
While he has not won in the ensuing year, his sterling efforts when runner up to stablemate, Made To Conquer, in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup and a solid 4th to champion stayer, It’s My Turn, in the Gold Cup suggests that he could be a cut above this lot. He was not at full fitness when finishing just under 10 lengths behind Milton in a much debated Pinnacle last time but will enjoy the extra and must be a serious contender with Richard Fourie in the irons.
His stablemate, Master’s Eye, has not found the winner’s enclosure in ages and has not been at his best in recent starts. That said, he stays well and could put in an improved performance on Saturday.
American Landing – not at best recently
East Cape Derby winner, American Landing, has not quite lived up to expectations after his impressive win at Fairview. The well related son of Dynasty returns from a national tour and ran a really poor race, when 28 lengths off Ali Bon Dubai in the Java Handicap at Turffontein at his last start. He could be a force to be reckoned with but has not had the ideal prep into this race.
First of the Bass-Robinson duo is the perennial bridesmaid stayer Ollivander – still a winner of only one race after 24 starts. He ran on steadily behind Benjan in the Woolavington and is 2kgs better off here for a 2,50 length beating.
Benjan won the Woolavington at his last start and has formed a good bond with apprentice Sandile Mbhele. The 6yo is bound to cope with the step up in trip and is always worthy of quartet inclusion.
Second of the Brett Crawford runners, Gimme One Night found a good finish to win a weak MR 78 Handicap last time. The son of Gimmethegreenlight could find his confidence boosted but will find this stronger.
Let It Rain – needs to find best form again
Let It Rain has not been at his best and is probably best in when allowed to bowl out front. He was scratched coughing from his last start and could find a place at best.
Woodland’s Forest will be very fit but is battling and fails to find a decisive finish.
Strathdon now commences his summer campaign in earnest and is expected to lift his game again and put in a big effort. He is the selection to beat American Landing and Master’s Eye.
