Sylvester The Cat showed himself to be a horse with Classic potential when turning in a smart performance at Scottsville on Sunday. The gelded son of Black Minnaloushe formed part of a Duncan Howells treble and the stable has seemingly turned the corner after a quiet spell that was attributed to a low grade virus.

Sylvester The Cat’s win came in a particularly strong Graduation Plate but it was not so much the victory as the manner in which it was achieved that had tongues wagging. Jumping from an outside gate stable jockey Muzi Yeni found himself in front and went on to make all. “He jumped well and when I looked around to see that I didn’t cut anyone off he went half a stride forward and thought he was back in a 1200. I got him to come back to me and he raced with his ears pricked.”

Sylvester The Cat (Nkosi Hlophe)

Commenting post-race Howells said his charge could have a bright future but needs to control his temperament. “He’s his own worst enemy. He’s a fighter. He will fight you with everything he’s got.”

Most impressive was the gelding’s turn of foot as Bulleting Home loomed up alongside with the line in his sights. But Sylvester The Cat quickly found another gear and sped clear to win as he liked. “He was not 100% fit but he still found more. He’s still got a lot to prove but I think he’s above average and we will go the Guineas, Daily News route if things pan out,” said Howells.

Ten Gun Salute is another promising three-year-old in the Howells yard and the Michael Roberts Handicap winner is likely to follow the same route as Sylvester The Cat after being given a short break. “He’s back in full work. I think we might go the same route as Sylvester but I’m still debating. I think Sylvester’s best distances are from a mile to 2000m but Ten Gun will stay further.” He shed his maiden over 2400m.

Also in contention for a high profile South African Champions Season is the filly Cosmic Light however, it has not all been plain sailing. “She’s doing well but I battled to get her back on song after her trip to Cape Town. I think the SA Fillies Sprint (City Of Pietermaritzburg Fillies Sprint) is the right race for her but I’m still no sure at this stage.”

Former Howells inmate Same Jurisdiction leaves the Kenilworth quarantine station for Mauritius on March 27. Howells has a watching brief but said although the filly had lightened up a little – “one can expect that” – things were going well.

However, there has been a forced change of plans. “She tested positive for pyro and will not be allowed to race in America so I think her connections will be looking to race in Hong Kong,” said Howells.

By Andrew Harrison