“From what I have seen she looks better than the boys. And a good filly can beat a good colt.” The educated opinion of multiple champion jockey Garth Puller as the lessons of history and some talented visitors balance the odds against a sensational outcome to today’s R1 million Grand Parade Cape Guineas.
The classy Silver Mountain – takes on the boys
The presence of super Silvano filly Silver Mountain has added a thrilling dimension to one of the great classic races on the calendar and the question on every racing fan’s lips is – can she do it?
The vastly experienced Puller knows what it takes to win the Cape Guineas and said that there was no doubt in his mind that Silver Mountain was the horse to beat.
And after the withdrawal earlier this week of second favourite Rabada, there is plenty in favour of Silver Mountain providing the Bass family with a glorious end to a trying year.
But history – and there is plenty of it – suggests that she will have to be exceptional to beat the males.
After runaway victories in the Gr2 Choice Carriers Championship and the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas, Silver Mountain has earned her stripes – but has this come too quickly?
The interprovincial 3yo collateral form picture is always a notch out of focus, but there will be no ignoring the threat posed by group performers, Brazuca and the exciting Noah From Goa.
Australian-bred Brazuca was narrowly beaten in the Gr1 Golden Horseshoe , when still a maiden at his second start and has won both of his subsequent outings. He beat a rather average Graduation Plate field at Turffontein last time of asking, and looks to be an exciting sort – with loads of upward potential.
The Brazuca connections will have a line through another Australian bred in their yard in the form of New Predator – whose duel with Noah From Goa in the Gr2 Dingaans is still fresh in our minds.
Mike De Kock, who trains Noah From Goa was impressed with the performance of his charge to beat New Predator and he brings the son of Tiger Ridge down to the Cape.
Noah From Goa holds off New Predator
That was a particularly hard race for Noah From Goa, who would also have had to travel in the interim. While it has not been a vintage De Kock summer, that could all change in 101 seconds or so.
With the scratching of Rabada, it is likely that Antn Marcus will ride Selangor Cup winner Hard Day’s Night.
This fellow’s hard-fought win in the Gr2 last time received plenty of praise, but will it be a cakewalk on the summer track? His 14 draw is also a negative.
Cape Classic winner Eighth Wonder was beaten 2,50 lengths in the Selangor Cup after being eased. He is badly drawn.
Lanzerac RTR Stakes winner Budapest is another who has to contend with a wide draw after enjoying the run of the race in his last big win.
Budapest – can he confirm?
He has been repassed at the stalls and last Saturday’s feature ‘super sub’ Brandon Lerena rides him for the first time.
Sean Tarry’s Liege chased Muwaary home in the Graham Beck Stakes but was well beaten behind Budapest and needs some improvement to feature.
Nassa produced the flying finish of the race to run a half length third in the Selangor Cup and now has a 17 gate to beat.
There is no question that he will relish the longer run in and looks to be a fellow who is way ahead of the handicapper still.
Victorious Jay was beaten a short head by Hard Day’s Night in the Selangor but has drawn wide here and will be a place contender at best.
Glen Pullers’s duo of Illuminator and Purple Mountains have both earned their position in this heady line-up.
Andrew Fortune sticks with Illuminator, who was unbeaten in two starts down the Kneilworth 1200m before running on well for fourth and under 0,75 lengths behind Hard Day’s Night in the Selangor Cup.
Snaith Trio
Justin Snaith’s trio of Star Chestnut, Langerman winner Ready To Attack and the well drawn Trippi colt Baritone, must all be considered at best.
Langerman winner Ready To Attack
While jockey arrangements suggest otherwise, Ready To Attack could be the pick.
Silver Mountain’s stablemate Rodney ran on like an express train in the Magnum Cape Classic, when caught slightly flat-footed when beaten 2,25 lengths by Eighth Wonder. But he was not as forward when finishing 1,25 lengths back in the Selangor and needs to up his game a few lengths – and the summer course could be the antidote required!
Jet Air is the third of the Bass trio and his current form suggests little hope of him threatening the top guns.
Silver Mountain faces a watershed moment in her short career. Victory will mean that she enters the realms of the best we have seen.
The world and his dog will be rooting for her – but she faces the best 3yo males in the land – and this is a fairytale without an ending – for now.
