Top trainer of stayers Joey Ramsden sets out on a mission to win the marathon R250 000 Gr3 Chairman’s Cup to be run over 3200m at Kenilworth today. It is a good start that he sends out a trio of big guns – and effectively saddles half the field.
Reading his column, JR admits that he loves to win these events and he gives all three of his charges a decent winning chance. It is just a sad puzzle why his colleagues are keeping their lot at home – after all, the fifth cheque is a decent R6 250 and that will pay a few weeks’ bills.
The Saturday eight race programme sees only 75 runners accepted, and this decently endowed feature only 6 of those – including an under sufferance MR 76 galloper.
Whether it is a practical or programming issue, it needs urgent sorting out – not gushy press releases!
An old stalwart and a horse that must feel like a Goodhope Racing mascot, tops the weights.
King Of Pain – tries ground
The magnificent grey King Of Pain hasn’t won a race since dethroning the champion Beach Beauty in the Gr1 Gold Challenge in June 2014.
The son of Greys Inn has never won beyond a mile in his career, but it certainly makes some sense to try his luck at a bit further – his runs in the Met and Queen’s Plate suggesting that he is finding it tough going in the top echelon these days.
On breeding and banking on the Cape Crawl, he could have the class to outsprint them – doesn’t that just sound ludicrous?
Joey Ramsden’s Argentinian bred Coltrane could secure the double
His stablemate Coltrane won this race last year and ran on well in the J&B Urban Honey Stayers when beaten just 1,25 lengths by Ovidio, at level weights.
He had a setback a week prior to that race and he was fancied to go very close – with Anton Marcus up, he must go very close on Saturday – but the pace is a worry.
Third of the Ramsden trio is the Gr2 Gold Bracelet winner Gallica Rose.
The daughter of Silvano finished 2,55 lengths behind Coltrane on Met day and meets him on a half kilo better terms here. She also suffered the misfortune of a stumble.
She tries the 3200m for the first time – and looks likely to stay.
Ovidio could bounce back in small field
Nothing went the way of Justin Snaith’s Cape Summer Stayers winner Ovidio on Met day and he ran stone last behind Ovidio.
He certainly gets the 3200m but needs to improve on that run.
The Ideal World filly is battling to assert herself and showed pace before dropping out of contention for a 4,80 length unplaced finish in the Urban Honey. She is fitted with the pacifiers.
Mike Bass’ Three Balloons comes in under sufferance but has won two of his last three starts over some ground.
He may have scope to improve and could be better than rated.
Coltrane is the choice to make it a double at the expense of King Of Payne and Gallica Rose.
