It has been twenty years since the Trigger Finger filly Annie won the then MTN Dion Gr3 East Cape Derby run at Arlington.
The the fairer sex have two standout local ladies in the 57th running of a race not won by a hometown galloper since 2009.
The Listed East Cape Derby moved to Fairview in 2013 following the closure of Arlington and despite the reduced status has still managed to attract a quartet of visitors – no doubt the R218 000 first cheque being a major incentive to travel the 750km up the Garden Route.
Widow’s Lamp impressed in the Oaks
Yvette Bremner’s East Cape Oaks winner Widow’s Lamp has continued to show a game and consistent run of form, culminating in her first stakes score when tried over the 2000m for the first time at her last start. There is everything reason to believe she will relish the trip here and, while she is yet to take on the boys, she is a very talented girl and should be right there.
The other fairer sex contender is Queen Forever, who had no luck when chasing Widow’s Lamp home in the Oaks. This daughter of Gimmethegreenlight was a well beaten 2,25 lengths, but has a massive chance if she stays the 2400m.
Justin Snaith saddles a coupling of the Listed East Cape Guineas winner Sabbatical and recent Durbanville maiden winner Streetfighting Man.
Sabbatical wins East Cape Guineas
Sabbatical was bumped last time when going down a half length to Kimberley Star and meets the Greeff runner on 2kgs worse terms on Saturday. The son of Silvano has drawn wide but enjoys running at them late and should be storming home in the final 200m.
His stablemate Streetfighting Man battled to win his maiden but got it right at his 9th start and now tries ground. If he lifts his game and stays, he comes in as a dark horse.
Kimberley Star holds Sabbatical and was considered good enough to travel to Cape Town on Sun Met day for the Investec Cape Derby. He is bred to stay all day and with the services of Aldo Domeyer from a pole position draw is a top three choice.
Aldo Domeyer takes the reins on Kiimberley Star
Sharon Kotzen’s Desert Chief is a kilo better off with Kimberley Star for a 1,25 length defeat last time. The son of Main Aim is held by Sabbatical on his penultimate start.
Andre Nel travels from the West Coast with the lightly tried Twice Over colt Run Red, who has his second run after a three month break. He is difficult to assess here but is obviously highly thought of.
Brett Crawford’s American Landing, whose sister won the Gerald Rosenberg Stakes last Saturday, won his maiden at his penultimate start and then followed up with a fair third in handicap company. He looks progressive and has only his fifth start. He has been backed into favourite and with Richard Fourie in the irons ranks a serious runner.
Belonje is stablemate to Widow’s Lamp and is held by Kimberley Star on his last run.
We are going with the fillies to dominate this race after a two decade absence. Sabbatical, American Landing and Kimberley Star are the obvious dangers.
