Justin Snaith – Futura, Legislate, Heartland
All our horses are particularly well and we’re expecting a big day. We’ve actually never been happier going into a race day ever. We think Queen’s Plate 2015 could be the best day we’ve ever had. We’ve not a single cough and the yard is firing. If you look at our percentage, it’s the highest in the country at nearly 20%. We’ve got 35 runners on the day and I’m not saying we’ll have 7 winners, but I’ll be gutted if we come home with 2 or 3.
Futura – can he do the double?
Futura? We’ve never had him any better and he’ll run right to his best form. Bernard’s pretty confident.
Legislate is a hard one. He’s obviously got issues in terms of temperament and soundness, but we’ve got it all under control. He was lame three months ago, but he’s sound again. We’re bringing him to the course fresh. He runs well fresh and if he produces his best form, I think they’re all running for second. If he doesn’t need the run and produces his best form, he’s going to be very hard to beat, but it’s hard to predict.
Heartland could be a bit out of his depth. If you take him on his run to Act of War in the Matchem, then Act of War should have his measure, but he’s another horse that we’ve got at his best and if the big horses don’t run to form on the day, this could upset the apple cart. He’s going to run to form – and he’s probaby not good enough to beat the really big guns, but if Legislate, Act of War and Captain America don’t bring their A-game, he could spring a surprise.
Brett Crawford – Captain America
He’s doing very well. He’s had a very good prep and I’m very pleased with how it’s all gone. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way from my side. He’s fit and well and ready.
Mike de Kock – Noah From Goa
Noah From Goa (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
He looks well and he’s enjoyed his time in Cape Town. Everything’s gone according to plan – touch wood – and the race will tell us how good he is. We’ve got a 9 draw, but we’re not too worried about it and think can get over from there easily.
Sean Tarry – Legal Eagle, Gold Onyx
Sean Tarry
Both of them are obviously prepping for the Met, but with both of them, I’m happy with their prep and we’re all good to go at this stage. A strong pace is essential for Legal Eagle, so obviously the faster they go, the better for me. Gold Onyx can quicken off any pace. At 8 years old he’d be the most senior runner in the field, but he doesn’t know it, so if don’t tell him, I wont!
Joey Ramsden – Act of War, King of Pain
Joey Ramsden with King Of Pain (hamishNIVENPhotography)
They’ve both been in good form. One sadly has got a big draw to overcome and I think that’s going to be huge disadvantage, with the big wind tomorrow. With big wind comes no pace and with that comes big bunching and if you think you’ve got a chance of getting in, it just makes it that much harder.
It’s going to be extremely tricky. King Of Pain is doing fantastic – he just needs a bit of fortune. It’s a very strong field and I think the organisers should be very proud of what they’ve put together.
Alec Laird – Bouclette Top
He is very well. He has been well for some time and it seems that he has improved as a 5 year old. Whether he has improved enough, time will tell.
Mike Bass – Night Trip, Ashton Park
Mike Bass
Ashton Park is unfortunately badly drawn and has got a tough task on his hands from there. He was just out of the placings last year, but we’ll need a lot of luck tomorrow.
Night Trip is doing very well. He’s improved this season and it’s not impossible that he can place from the inside draw.
Dean Kannemeyer – Power King
All good with Power King. It’s a strong race and we will be very happy if he runs a place.
Geoff Woodruff – Master Sabina
It’s a come on run for the Met and he may just need it. He’s looking good though and should be doing his best work late.
