Dean Kannemeyer has commenced his Cape Summer campaign in earnest and steps out the ‘exceptionally late maturing’ Cape Laddie for his major patron Khaya Stables at Kenilworth in midweek.
We humans, especially the punting variety, are creatures of habit
Most of us prefer the predictable and getting into a routine.
Have you got your racecard?
So after an uncustomary Thursday slot last week, it is good to have our local racing back in its regular time bracket of a Wednesday afternoon.
July Day action – Desert Fighter, Son Of Silver, Silence Descends and Cape Laddie are within 0,45 lengths of each other in this blanket finish.
A well patronised eight-race programme greets punters on Wednesday, with the mile MR 90 Handicap opening the Place Accumulator.
The very lightly raced Cape Laddie, a full-brother to Gr2 Peninsula Handicap winner Light The Lights, tops the SP ratings and trainer Dean Kannemeyer has given the Hallmark Thoroughbreds – bred son of Western Winter the vote of confidence.
Dean Kannemeyer – Cape Laddie will be much fitter
“I have taken things very slowly with this 4yo. He really has been an exceptional slow maturing specimen but was good enough to win early on. He ran a good race on the poly on July Day and ran close up at his post-maiden to that horse that won the Grand Heritage (Irish Pride). “
Kannemeyer went on to say that Cape Laddie had been ‘’badly in need’ of his return run on 1 November, when just over a length off Dancer.
“He has come on lengths with that run under his belt and strips a much fitter athlete on Wednesday. I am not worried about the second run post a rest syndrome as he was not off for an extended period. I think he will go close,” he added.
When asked about Cape Laddie’s prospects, Kannemeyer said that he felt that Cape Laddie would go 2000m.
“He is well related and the family have proven versatile. I will take it one race at a time with him.”
Star Chestnut is very consistent
Cape Laddie’s’ major opposition could lie with Justin Snaith’s supremely consistent Star Chestnut.
S’manga Khumalo rides the son of Horse Chestnut for the first time and the Drakenstein Stud-bred gelding drops in class – which may be the tonic to boost his confidence and get him back into the winner’s enclosure.
The enigmatic Lineker needs to start putting his best foot forward
His stablemate Lineker has proven quite enigmatic. He has not won a race since his big Ready To Run win in October last year and needs to up his game.
Brett Crawford’s smart Captain Al gelding Union Jack won his last start well at Durbanville and steps up in class.
He has the best of the draw and while held by Friendly Tibbs on earlier form, is improving all the time.
Course and distance specialist Friendly Tibbs has gone off the boil at his last two starts but is always competitive at this level and cannot be left out of calculations.
Vaughan Marshall – saddles Annigoni
Vaughan Marshall’s Annigoni is 2kgs better off with Union Jack for a 2,80 beating last time.
The son of Silvano would have needed that run and can fight out the minor quartet positions.
Richard Fourie rides New Caledonia for Geoff Woodruff.
The son of Right Approach gets thrown in the deeper waters here but has a nice galloping weight and a strong jockey to guide him.
The 6yo mare Can Cope runs the odd decent race but looks outclassed here.
Juddering Angel is a staying sort and will be having a pipe-opener over this trip.
While Star Chestnut is always a danger, the under exposed Cape Laddie looks sufficiently progressive to box his way into the equation carrying 7kgs less.
They are the choice to slang this out, with Union Jack and Friendly Tibbs the lurkers.
