The Klawervlei Stud-bred Jay Peg gelding Silicone Valley was the early optimist’s choice amongst the 27 early J&B Met entries and his presence adds a twist to the toxic cocktail presented by the R150 000 Listed Jet Master Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.
S’manga Khumalo – rides longshot Met hope Silicone Valley
S’manga Khumalo rides Silicone Valley at his first start beyond 1200m and the lightly raced 5yo must be held in high regard, given the indicator of his plans for late January in the Cape’s big one.
He has been brought along quietly and has his first taste of stakes racing in some quality mixed company.
While we will never know until he tries it, there was plenty to suggest that he will stay the mile after he turned on the charm to beat Prince Of Thieves last time.
There is plenty of ‘mature class’ in the race and heading the show is Brian Burnard’s well travelled Kahal gelding No Worries, he is now stabled with Glen Kotzen out at Woodhill.
The Summerhill bred galloper is a proven stakes campaigner but may need the outing after 14 weeks away from racing.
His stablemate Light The Lights may be preferred and gets a chance to build on his big reputation as a 3yo.
The son of Western Winter would have found the 1200m on the short side last time when beaten 2,20 lengths by Silcone Valley – and now meets the Puller runner on 3,5 kgs worse terms.
He will certainly prefer the mile and is a hardy galloper who will be much fitter at his third start since Super Saturday- and his earlier form suggests that he be given a chance to mature.
Justin Snaith saddles two rather decent 4yo’s and Matchem runner-up Heartland may be best of the duo.
Kingvoldt – now with Justin Snaith
The son of Dynasty was outpointed when unplaced over 1200m behind Exelero last time and seems much better suited to this test.
The former Joey Ramsden runner Kingvoldt may have the edge on his better earlier showings and will have come on since his 4,45 length unplaced showing behind Triptique in the Cape Merchants.
He was an outstanding 2yo in the shadow of his famous stablemate Act Of War – but has never quite gone on with things.
Mike Bass saddles Ashton Park and the quietly progressive Spirit Of Hamilton.
Mike Bass – a yard in form
Ashton Park has become a familiar face at the top level, where he has run some sparkling races.
He was beaten 5,50 lengths out of the banking in the Green Point Stakes, but will be much more comfortable in this league. He is well drawn and will be running at them late.
Spirit Of Hamilton is tested after three straight wins. The son of Argonaut really needs to be at his best after beating much lesser, but could be equal to the task and will be closely monitored by his connections.
Vaughan Marshall’s Chestnut’s Rocket has the blinkers removed after a smart win on the Fairview polytrack at his last outing.
The son of Horse Chestnut is a few lengths off the best but is lethal on the polytrack – and may battle in this mix on the green stuff.
Cat Nap
Master trainer Dennis Drier -saddles reliable 6yo Big Cat
The 6yo Big Cat transferred from Stan Elley to Dennis Drier at the end of last term and won his sixth race when accounting for Henry Of York in an MR 95 Handicap last time out.
The son of Black Minnaloushe has a turn of foot second to none and will relish a good pace – which he is very likely to enjoy, given the profile of some of them.
Piet Steyn must have been thrilled to engage the service of Anthony Delpech for a relative longshot like Friendly Tibbs.
The 5yo son of Casey Tibbs is always running on late, but frankly, even with Delpech aboard, needs to make up a few lengths here.
The Andre Nel yard has been in fine form and the West Coast yard send out the 7yo Dynasty gelding Marchant.
The 7yo is probably past his bed in feature racing terms but was not disgraced when just 4,75 lengths off Captain Alfredo in the Listed Southeaster Sprint.
This is one of the most interesting races on the card – with the demographic leaning towards a minefield rather than a straightforward assessment.
Silicone Valley must be decent and should go very close. Kingvoldt and Heartland are not out of it, while the forward running Light The Lights could be suited to the way they are racing at the moment.
