The Cape trainers took some flak recently for their perceived cherry picking in the Eastern Cape. But that bit of social media stone-throwing hasn’t deterred them and they saddle almost 50% of the field for today’s R150 000 Listed Breeders Guineas.
But despite that power hand, they may have to take a back seat to a local star.
Top 3yo Madame Speaker – hard to beat (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
The SP top-rated champion Madame Speaker, one of four Alan Greeff runners in the line-up, has proven a model of consistency throughout her 3yo term and has shown that her performances as an award-winning juvenile were no precocious flashes in the pan. She takes on 9 rivals in this mile contest and should have little trouble in disposing of her opposition at the level weights conditions. Her last victory – over the talented Mar ch Music by 6,75 lengths on 8 February – was top drawer and showed her fitness and wellbeing. She is a confident first choice.
Gavin Smith’s Klever Kathy is another very consistent filly and capable of a big effort. She beat Madame Speaker at level weights at her penultimate start, but the Pathfork Flyer reversed that comprehensively on the turf next time out. It will be tough for the Bold Silvano daughter to make up 12 lengths on Friday.
Klever Kathy – very game but looks held (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
The Plattner owned Dream Baby Dream has been scratched.
The Glen Kotzen pair of Be Yourself and Count Dubucks must have a chance a their best.
The preference is for the latter, who followed up on a facile maiden win with another fluent victory – albeit in a weak low-key handicap last time. She has done little wrong and may well be a few lengths ahead of the handicapper on official rating. Worth including as a possible upset.
Candice Bass-Robinson’s Star Fighter has won two of her last three starts and improved nicely last time to beat Golden Chance easily. The stable is in top form and will be keen to dig further into the PE honey pot. Top jockey Lyle Hewitson takes the ride.
Justin Snaith saddles Chakri
Justin Snaith’s nicely bred Chakri won her Cape maiden at her third start and was then beaten 3,90 lengths by Star Fighter – whom she meets on a half kilo worse terms here.
Formerly based in KZN, the Var filly Bargeme has won both her starts (on the all-weather) in the Eastern Cape and now tries ground again after flopping over 2000m earlier on in her career. This will require a lot more effort from her.
The former Cape-based Silvano filly Jaleika shed her maiden on the polytrack last time – her ninth start. She would need to show dramatic improvement and may prefer it a bit further.
Bushiri has earned at all her four starts and was comprehensively beaten by Delia’s Delight at her post maiden run in a low grade handicap. This will be very tough for her.
It looks very tough to beat Madame Speaker and she is a confident selection to beat Be Yourself and Chakri.
