A stellar cast of thoroughbred big-hitters boosts today’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting from midweek roster status, to the level of anything we’d be likely to enjoy on a Saturday.
And the spotlight will be firmly focussed on the season debut of Justin Snaith’s reigning SA Horse Of The Year, Captain’s Ransom.
She’s back! Captain’s Ransom wins the Gr1 Mercury Sprint at her last start (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The smashing daughter of Captain Al is now a 5yo and steps out in the Pick 6 opener, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m, where she takes on a serious bunch of males, headed by her 8yo dual Durban July winning stablemate, Do It Again.
Local champion conditioner Justin Snaith enjoyed a red-letter day on Saturday and will be looking to carry his yard’s summer form momentum forward.
“Captain’s Ransom is coming into this race fit but this is still a preparation run for the Cape Season ahead so we have left a little in the tank. She has never taken on males of this calibre on WFA terms and this will be the greatest challenge of her career to date,” the charismatic horseman told the Sporting Post.
A winner of six Gr1 races, Captain’s Ransom returns under regular rider Richard Fourie from a 15 week break and for the record is unbeaten over 1400m. She also runs frighteningly well when coming off a break!
But Justin is keeping his feet on the ground, like a true professional.
“Her main mission would be the Gr1 Majorca. The owners will decide at a later date whether she will take her place in the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate or Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes,” he added.
On the ratings, she looks really well in, but she won’t be 100% fit – and may not need to be to register her ‘lucky’ 13th career win.
Despite his cool demeanour, one senses some confidence in Justin’s approach.
“I have a very close relationship with Captain’s Ransom and she has allowed me to keep her happy and focused. She is a dream to work with. “
The Pick 6 goes off in the third at 14h00. Take a calculated chance on a top horse, a top jockey and a top trainer, and banker the magic mare!
