The R150 000 Listed Settlers Trophy is a deceptively modest looking staying handicap. It is not exactly a nursery for future marathon stars but has dished up the odd gem over the years. Like Gold Cup winners Jeppe’s Reef and In Writing. And even last Saturday’s Gr1 Maiden Cup winner Parachute Man.
Ladbroke’s Gold Cup winner In Writing
It is said that when you have a horse that stays, you always have a chance. Like a good red wine, the longhaulers tend to mature with age and are capable of going on to better things.
Like 2012 Settlers Trophy winner Jeppe’s Reef, who proceeded to capture the 2013 Gold Cup.
It was to be the last race the son of Jallad would win, but the Gr1 was the pinnacle of a long career.
2012 Gold Cup winner In Writing was beaten a length by Sun City in the 2011 Settlers Trophy.
He went on to one of the most dramatic victories in SA’s premier staying race under a memorable pearler of a ride by the master, Felix Coetzee.
Mauritius’ biggest – and longest – race, the Gr1 Maiden Cup was won a fortnight ago by Parachute Man. The then Justin Snaith-trained son of High Chaparral could only finish fifth in the 2015 Settlers Trophy behind Arezzo but won his biggest race at his third start on the island.
Tricky
So what does Saturday’s contest hold in store?
Our Personality Profile Star Of The Week Greg Ennion, a man who knows how to programme a stayer, saddles four of the eleven runners, but it is the Snaith pair that catch the eye.
Captain Splendid wins the East Cape Derby
Gr3 East Cape Derby winner Captain Splendid spearheads the champion attack and the son of Captain Al strips a fit horse after a good win over the trip last time. The handicapper has him iin hi sights but the 4yo stays well and could be equal to the taks.
Stablemate Francia is one of two ladies in the race.
The Listed Winter Oaks winner is lightly raced and should be well suited to the extra 200m here.
The topweighted My World is now in his second term with the Bass-Robinson stable and comes in off an eight week break. The son of Ideal World stays well and could come out firing fresh.
Renate du Plessis brings down the lionhearted Oh So Modus from PE. A one-paced plodder, this son of Modus Vivendi shed his maiden over Saturday’s course and distance two years ago and could grab a place reward.
Genuine
Greg Ennion – decent hand
The Ennion quartet is headed by the Antonius Pius gelding Jeremy.
He was beaten a length by Captain Splendid last and now meets the Snaith bullet on a kilo better terms.
Roman Discent has failed to deliver his eyecatching Winter Derby third, while the handsome poster star Chrome Blue may need it after recovery from a foot abscess.
Irish Dynasty gets the blinkers but he is battling to spark and would be a shock winner.
Can Cope runs on well over shorter but was well beaten in this race last year.
Class
Captain Splendid looks to be the class and he could continue up the ladder by beating this lot. His trainer-jockey combination certainly add plenty of confidence.
My World and Francia could be best of the rest, while Ennion cannot be underestimated.
