Justin Snaith has entries in every one of the 13 races at Saturday’s big Sun Met meeting and asked whether he could go close to the world record eight winners he scored on this day last year, he replied, “You never know.”

He kindly commented on every one of his runners:

Race 1 (MR 96 Handicap over 1200m): “Cuban Emerald was unlucky last time, he had to come from a long way back, and I expect a better race this time. Captain Swarovski has a big weight, but is down in class, blinkers were a bad idea last time and he should run a better race. Fire Master ran a flat race last time, but will be competitive on best form in what is a very competitive race.”

Race 2 (Listed Princess Charlene Of Monaco Foundation SA Summer Juvenile Stakes over 1000m): “Kasimir by Captain Al makes his debut and is very nice two-year-old, I think he has Dutch Phillip to beat and should be in the firing line.”

Race 3 (R1 million Kuda Sprint over 1200m): “Sir Frenchie could well fight out the finish, he will be very good at 1200m and I think he is one of the horses to beat. He was very green on debut, but has put up a good gallop and will run a big race. I think the Sean Tarry and Mike de Kock runners are the ones to beat. Lacerta has a small chance, but it is very competitive. Henry Tudor will be much better over this 1200m and could be in the money. Varside could place.”

Race 4 (US$500,000 CTS Sprint over 1200m): “Sergeant Hardy is very well and is the horse to beat. Red Light Girl will be better suited to this 1200m (dropping down in trip) and is a nice horse for a place. Le Havre plays up in the stalls, but if he gets it right he could run a big race and could be the dark horse.”

Race 5 (US$500,000 CTS Mile): “African Night Sky is my value bet on the day. He would have won last time if he had not been taken out. Copper Force is doing well at home, but it is a big ask from that draw.”

Race 6 (Gr 1 R1 million Betting World Cape Flying Championship over 1000m): “Jo’s Bond has been saved for this race, she may be outgunned, but she won a good race last time (beating Carry On Alice by 0,5 lengths on 2kg better terms than here) and we are taking our chances. Captain Alfredo has a bit to do, this is a very strong field.”

Race 7 (Gr 1 R1 million Klawervlei Majorca Stakes over 1600m): “A lot of horses who would normally run here are in other races, so it has opened it up. Star Express is having her third run after a rest and is primed and ready. A Time To Dream needs a bit of luck from the draw, it’s a very hard race and we would just be hoping for a place for her.”

Race 8 (Gr 1 R1 million Investec Cape Derby over 2000m): Zodiac Ruler is an out and out stayer, we have been waiting to send him over this 2000m trip. He disappointed in his last start and might be heading for gelding soon, but he could be the dark horse.”

Race 9 (Gr 1 R5 million Sun Met over 2000m): Bela-Bela put up the gallop of the day. She is doing very well and will be in the firing line. It’s My Turn is a very big runner, we have prepped him for this race. He did not have a gallop into the Politician and we have galloped him into this race. He had a late start to the season and is getting better and better with every run. Baritone, we are just hoping for a half-decent run.”

Race 10 (Gr 2 The Blue Label Cape Stayers over 2800m): “Ovidio is doing very well and I think 4/1 is a crazy price (he is now 13/10 with Betting World). If anything can give Ovidio a go it will be Krambambuli, he has never tried this trip but I don’t think it will be a problem, you don’t need to stay to win these sort of races in South Africa, our staying races are relatively weak. Captain Splendid disappointed last time, he had gone quiet on me, and I have changed his training to wake him up and hope he improves.”

Race 11 (MR 95 Handicap over 1600m): “Richard (Fourie) had the choice of ride here and chose Lineker. He has been very consistent lately and was unlucky last time in a slow run race and he was a little bit strong. He will go close, it’s just whether he is good enough on the day. Fifty Cents had a good run in the Queen’s Plate, he was not disgraced, and I am expecting a nice run, he will fight it out, he has a good chance, this race will be about who is best on the day. Overshadow was very disappointing last time, the jockey said he was not moving well (reported ‘felt amiss’) but I couldn’t find a lot wrong. His work has been good and with Anton up he has got to be a runner, I am expecting a good run. Star Chestnut is consistent and it was a bit far last time, back to a mile he could win, although it’s one of the most competitive races on the day.”

Race 12 (MR  90 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m): “Nima is the one to beat if running anything like she did last time. Fear Not is doing well and if running to best form could easily surprise. Evoke Emotion needed her last run and could run into the money. Northern Ballet stays well and has a place chance. Katies Joy had a good run last time and should run a similar race so has a place chance.”

Race 13 (MR Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m): I am very strong in this race. Twinkle Toes has a good chance if she runs to form, they changed it to the last race and Piere Strydom has to get a flight home, which is the only reason there is no rider declared yet. Gimme Six had a very good gallop and could be the filly to beat. Secret Seven also had a very good gallop and could also be in the shake up. Fortissimus disappointed last time and will need luck in running. Miss Hyde is very competitive and is tough and consistent, but it’s a tough race. She has a small each-way chance and could be a nice horse for the PA.”

Conclusion: “My best bets on the day are Sergeant Hardy and Ovidio and my sneaker is African Night Sky.”

By David Thiselton