It’s very rare that we find a restricted sales race that isn’t fully subscribed to maximum field capacity.
The R5 million CTS 1600 fell short of the 16 runner mark. The fact is that it isn’t far off Gr1 standard with six really smart sorts topping the ratings and no doubt having sent the lesser lights running for cover.
As in the case of its 1200m equivalent, the CTS 1600 is restricted to eligible graduates of the Cape Premier Yearling Sale held on 21 and 22 January 2017, the CTS March Yearling Sale held on 18 and 19 March 2017, and the Emperors Palace Select Yearling Sale held on 21 April 2017.
Talented One World – can he bounce back? (Pic -Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Top of the leading lights is Vaughan Marshall’s multiple stakes winner One World, who started favourite for the Cape Guineas. The son of Captain Al ran handily but was flat to the boards late and was relegated to third behind Gauteng raider Soqrat and local star, and subsequent Politician Stakes winner, Twist Of Fate. Anton Marcus rides One World again and he faces the additional hurdle of a wide draw to overcome.
Chimichuri Run – can stretch One World again! (PIc-JC Photos)
In an interesting jockey move S’manga Khumalo is replaced on Concorde Cup runner-up Chimichuri Run in favour of Lyle Hewitson, with Khumalo taking over the reins from Bernard Fayd’herbe on Twist Of Fate.
Chimichuri Run had One World at full stretch to go down a half length in the Corncorde Cup but then produced a flat effort when beaten 4,50 lengths by the same horse in the Cape Guineas.
Twist Of Fate – fit and in form (Pic -Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Local star Twist Of Fate has maintained an amazingly consistent record for an extended period of time and disposed of his opposition in the 1800m Politician Stakes with ease at his last start. The son of Master Of My Fate will be thereabouts and the biggest challenge must be keeping him on the boil at peak output for such a lengthy period of time.
The Snaith Silvano’s Pride – one of only two fairer sex contestants in the mile – won two on the trot before chasing the unbeaten rising star Front And Centre home in the Cape Fillies Guineas. The daughter of Silvano has Richard Fourie aboard and enjoys a favourable barrier gate.
Originally considered to be a Cape Derby prospect, Majestic Mozart looked promising with smart running on places in the Cape Classic and the Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes. He failed to produce any fire in the Cape Guineas when beaten into fifth and 4,25 lengths off Soqrat. He also was reported to have made a respiratory noise there. He would need to lift his game to win this – and will surely be at his best over a bit further.
The exciting but unexposed Vardy won his first two starts before being outrun by the big ticket year older Charles when trying the mile for the first time at his third jump. On paper he cant beat the top few, but looks to be lengths ahead of the handicapper yet, and could be the surprise package.
Duncan Howells’ Ashburton raider Mr Greenlight has won two of his four starts impressively but has to contend with a wide draw. It will be great to have the revitalised Mark Khan back at his old home track after a long absence.
It looks tough for the balance of them.
Skye Lane is the second of the fillies. The daughter of Pathfork has won two from six outings but is yet to show she can take on the Gr1 boys.
The very well related Provocateur has something of a propensity to run second and find something to beat him. He and stablemate Sherwood Forest look held.
Recent maiden winner Nao Faz Mal would be a surprise winner, as will Vikram who shares much the same profile. Sean Tarry’s Russian Beat won a Turffontein maiden three runs back but besides the 1 draw, looks to have more to do.
The top class Twist Of Fate is the pick to hold the improver Vardy and Chimichuri Run – with One World bound to be right on top of them.
