The R2.5 million CTS Ready To Run Stakes at Kenilworth has been switched from this Saturday to 14 December as a result of the recent African Horse Sickness outbreak in Gauteng.

There were 18 declared by 11.00am yesterday but Sean Tarry’s quartet and the Mike de Kock-trained Dublin Quays would not have been able to make it because of the restrictions placed on horses travelling from Randjesfontein.

Ashley Fortune got Etched In Blue and Invidia out in time and they will now run on Saturday in the Graduation Plate put on as an extra race at the end of the card. The Joey Soma-trained Tiger’s Rock will also run in this 1 400m race. The Johannesburg-based declarations accounted for seven of the top ten merit-rated in the Ready To Run.

Cape Thoroughbred Sales boss Wehann Smith said in a statement that the overriding concern was to do everything possible to ensure that all buyers at last year’s CTS Ready To Run Sale had the very best chance of having a runner.

He added: “We consulted all trainers with entries in the race and the balance of opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of rescheduling. This was particularly the case for the Cape-based trainers who were as one in their support of the move. I believe this show of support is a genuine acknowledgement of their willingness to welcome the up-country trainers for the season – and that ultimately being in the best bigger picture benefit to racing in the Cape.”

The Graduation Plate has attracted eight others, notably leading Cape Guineas hope Captain Tatters who was beaten less than half a length by Silver Operator in last month’s Cape Classic.

In other news the unbeaten Captain Of Stealth, the forgotten man of last season’s two-year-olds, is about to start on the long road back after suffering a career-threatening leg injury when odds-on for the Langerman.

Part owner Pat Freestone said: “We have been given the all-clear but it will be six months before you see him.”

Last Winter is to stay in training with Sir Michael Stoute as a seven-year-old but he will not race again this year.  The 2018 Sun Met runner-up was beaten over ten lengths when fourth of six in the mile and a half Matchbook Floodlit Stakes at Kempton 15 days ago, his first experience of the all-weather.

By Michael Clower