Masterful. Snaith’s Jet Master colt True Master is a smart 3yo and should have a big say in Sunday’s Gr3 Winter Classic
A top class field of 3yo’s face the starter in Sunday’s R200 000 Gr3 Winter Classic run over 1800m at Kenilworth. The second leg of the Cape Winter Series should be a humdinger with Justin Snaith sending two good sorts to post to take on Joey Ramsden’s King Of Pain.
It goes without saying that the likes of King Of Pain, Readytogorightnow and True Master would not be out of place in the line up for the Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday.
Interest
Their combined presence adds plenty of lustre to a race that many of us may forget was won in years gone by such luminaries as Winter Solstice and Pocket Power. We know what those two stars went on to achieve and the next big thing could be lurking here.
The quality chestnut True Master bounced into the national spotlight with a resounding victory in the East Cape Derby three weeks ago. That was his third smart win on the trot and the Jet Master colt was rumoured to be heading up the coast for a possible tilt at Vodacom Durban July glory.
For whatever specific reason, the connections have changed their minds and decided to follow the old route proven by Mike Bass. Keep the 3yo at home and let him build his confidence, thus investing in his future and the possibilities of generous returns in his 4yo year.
Young Mr Snaith labelled True Master his Met horse and that is a rather exciting prospect than risking pushing him over the edge early. In racing, patience often pays big dividends.
Inferior
Set. The Winter Guineas winner Readytogorightnow is on track for the Winter Series Triple Crown
True Master is rated inferior to both King Of Pain and his stablemate Readytogorightnow. The latter was an outstanding winner of the first leg of the Winter Triple Crown, and he catapulted there to win with ease and beat King Of Pain as if the grey bomber was standing still.
Readytogorightnow’s connections will have their eye on the R250000 bonus and with the third leg run over 2400m on 29 June, combined with a dearth of stayers in this age group, they are likely to fancy their chances of the clean sweep.
Painless
Joey Ramsden’s King Of Pain will still be smarting from his defeat in the Guineas and the Selangor Cup winner will have every chance of righting the record here. He has his second run after a rest following the Met, and is bound to be a lot fitter than the ring rusty colt that was caught flatfooted there. He is handicapped to win this and is partnered by regular man, Bernard Fayd’herbe.
Bass Trio
Mike Bass saddles a trio of Ze Kaiser, Neartic Dancer and the very disappointing Paterfamilias. Ze Kaiser is a half brother to the brilliant Silver Mist and ran on well without threatening in the Winter Guineas. He finished 3,50 lengths behind the runaway Readytogorightnow and may well be a more serious challenger over the extra 200m here.
We recall his excellent storming effort behind Love Struck in the Listed Breeders Cup Politician Stakes when going down narrowly. That was a great course and distance collateral and a repeat effort.
He should be reaching peak fitness after two good prep runs following his rest, and could be a danger if running at them off a fast pace. Neartic Dancer ran a great second to True Master in the East Cape Derby but may have had the edge taken off with him after the round trip.
Paterfamilias has won 2 of his 10 starts but has been bitterly disappointing and should battle as he is held by the majority here. Glen Puller’s Surging River gelding Awesome Power has proven great value for his R30 000 price tag and has won 2 of his 9 starts.
Power Hungry
Top Class. Selangor Cup winner King Of Pain will be itching to get back to winning ways
Awesome Power ran a cracker in the Gr1 Investec Cape Derby when under two lengths adrift of Capetown Noir, but was well beaten last time when plodding just under 7 lengths behind Readytogorightnow. He looks stretched here, but could be the quartet kicker if things go his way. The Lundy’s Liability gelding Parker is the third of the Snaith trio and the likely pacemaker.
A winner of 4 races, Parker ran unplaced in the East Cape Derby at his last start appears held by Ze Kaiser on his previous outing. As a course and distance winner, he is probably capable of hanging on for a place, but does not appear to be in the class of the top rated lot here.
Ready
The Snaith yard have a powerful hand with True Master and Readytogorightnow, and while the handicapper may think otherwise, there is little to choose between them. King Of Pain was a top horse last year, and he will be in the scrum when they are diving for the line. Ze Kaiser could be best of the rest.
