The Gavin van Zyl-trained pair of Redcarpet Captain and Isca worked together on the Summerveld beach sand track yesterday morning ahead of Saturday’s Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville and the former had the beating of the latter throughout. Jockey Warren Kennedy, who was aboard Isca, returned to confirm that his mount was being held by Redcarpet Captain throughout the 800m workout. Isca has subsequently been scratched.

Redcarpet Captain ran below par last time out in the Gr 1 SA Nursery over 1160m and Van Zyl explained that he had been incubating a low grade infection two weeks before the race. He was fine on the week of the race but the work he had missed took its toll and the form of his fourth place finish in the Nursery was some nine lengths inferior on paper to his win in the Gr 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m if a line through Nursery winner Arabian Beat is taken literally.

Van Zyl said the athletic bay Captain Al colt had done well since arriving at Summerveld about three weeks ago and the yard are hoping to see him back to his best. He has landed a plum draw of one and will be a big runner in a small but classy field of ten.

By Dave Thiselton