The Cape trainers are coming to the party! Two well filled features launch the Cape Winter Season at Kenilworth today.
The weatherman, a generally bad tipster on a good day, suggested we should get some rain by the weekend- and it came in buckets on Friday.
Dean Diedericks – summer course
Kenilworth Track Manager Dean Diedericks confirmed in a telephone interview as we went to press that the racing would remain on the summer course at Kenilworth until the end of May.
“That is the time that we usually switch tracks and the course is in beautiful nick as we speak. The track is running evenly at this point in time. We really would welcome some rain as 75mms fell two weeks back – and that is our sum total for the past four months! We do however irrigate the track daily, taking cognisance of course of the reduce evaporation as a result of more moderate day-time temperatures. I expect the false rail to be in the same position as last weekend, but will make that decision on Thursday,” said Diedericks who has received national accolades for track management.
The fillies feature is the R150 000 Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, where fifteen runners line up over the 1400m.
Mike Bass trained the great filly after whom the race is named and he saddles a trio, headed by star galloper Inara’s full-sister, Inanna.
Inanna is held by A Time To Dream last time
She travelled to PE for her last outing when narrowly pipped by A Time To Dream in the Listed Breeders Guineas. That followed a smart win beating Adorada at her penultimate, and while held by the likes of Qing on her earlier form, is worth including – as, like her sister, she is bound to improve plenty.
Stablemate Sublime Lady came good to notch her second win at her last start, beating the promising Goodtime Gal in receipt of 2kgs. She is widely drawn here.
Third of the Bass trio is Waity Katie, who looks to be up against it on current form.
Justin Snaith is another with three runners – the best of which look to be the Dynasty filly Qing – a winner of four races.
Justin Snaith – best of his could be Qing
She runs fresh off a win on Met day and enjoys the services of Anthony Delpech from a good draw. She is a massive runner – if fit.
Stablemate Nordic Wind is fit and consistent and a place prospect – but looks held by Captain’s Flame.
Petala is not at her best and has lost form.
Paddy Kruyer’s smart Biarritz filly Anglet is very decent and runs fresh after a very fair fourth behind Silver Mountain in the Cape Fillies Guineas.
She ran a great race from the widest of the draw there and if not needing this too much after a 20 week break, she must be a serious runner over her preferred course and distance. We note Raymond Danielson is back to ride her.
Jane S Piddy won very well last time
Glen Kotzen’s smart Trippi Jane S Piddy ran a cracker at her last start under topweight to beat some seasoned male handicappers and her form is very consistent.
She has drawn widest of all, which really won’t help her cause – Grant Behr rides again.
Andre Nel’s Captain’s Flame has drawn wide at her first try beyond the sprints.
The daughter of Captain Al won two from 3 and then ran a cracker behind the high quality Princess Royal last time.
Goodtime Gal gets a 1 draw and the services of Richard Fourie.
The daughter of Royal Air Force comes into reckoning on her best form and is another to have performed notably behind Princess Royal and has excellent course and distance credits to her name.
Anglet – very capable and loves the 1400m
Qing and Anglet together with Goodtime Gal and Inanna are the choices to fight this out.
