Following a promising third in the maidens over 1600m, and partnered by Grant van Niekerk, this son of Dynasty justified favouritism with a decisive 2.25-length maiden win over 1600m. Then stepping up the distance to 1800m and sent off favourite with Craig Murray up, the colt made light of 61kg with a clear-cut win.
Van Niekerk was recalled for the four-year-old’s subsequent run when up in class and a gallant short-head second in a 1600m MR 90 Handicap. All his runs were at Kenilworth and carrying a handy 53kg and having the advantage of pole position he should make it a winning debut at the country course.
He will have most to fear in Vaughan Marshall-trained Zeb with Greg Cheyne aboard. This five-time winner comes off a smart double – closing his KwaZulu-Natal campaign with a gutsy win over 1400m at the Greyville Polytrack and then following up with a smart one-length win over the same distance at Durbanville.
However, both will have most to fear in Andre Nel-trained four-time winner Hemmingway (Bernard Fayd’Herbe). This four-year-old is in hot form – having won three of his last five starts at Kenilworth and finishing second twice. His last run was a stout effort as he was only reeled in late in a 1600m Pinnacle Stakes.
Though having his first outing after a lengthy layoff and preferring more ground, do not hastily dismiss lightly-raced Dorset Noble (Aldo Domeyer) out of Candice Bass-Robinson’s stable. This Australian-bred two-time winner from just four starts was a resounding 4.25-length winner of the 2400m East Cape Derby at Fairview last time. The five-year-old is likely to race keenly after his layoff and could have a say in the finish.
Next best are Charles and Mac De Lago.
