Candice Bass-Robinson, who finished up 2019 in style with three winners on New Year’s Eve, can score with her first Cape Town runner of the year in the opener at Kenilworth tomorrow.
Proclaimer started favourite when only fifth over 1 400 here a month ago but it could be significant that the Ridgemont runner drops in trip – remember this ownership is one whose aims include a high strike rate.
Greg Cheyne’s mount opened favourite at 17-10 with the Dean Kannemeyer newcomer Born To Be Queen on 33-10 along with Floatlikeabutterfly whose Glen Puller stable is doing well at the moment.
So is M.J. Byleveld who may take the next on Speed Of Night. The Vaughan Marshall colt has some smart form figures and that last run was better than it looked because he was carried wide and had to be straightened twice. The one negative is that he was difficult to load that day – and horses that do that can become unsettled and use up precious energy in the process.
The obvious danger is Lead Singer whose previous form would suggest is better than last time’s fourth of six over a furlong further at Durbanville. But Cyclonic Breeze also has strong claims with Bernard Fayd’Herbe in the irons.
Smart William is marginally odds-on for the Tabonline.co.za Maiden Handicap despite having to give weight all round. He got a bit far back when starting favourite over a furlong less last time but finished well and went under by less than half a length. The extra furlong looks made for him.
However one to consider, and possibly have a small saver on, is 8-1 shot Forbach because he was one of the victims of the false start on Cape Fillies Guineas day. He was upset about having to be pulled up and reloaded, as well as by the 12-minute delay, and he over-raced and refused to settle when the race finally got under way. Therefore that run is best ignored and his close third on his previous outing is a better indication of his chance.
The Vow, well drawn and with two good recent runs over a furlong less, looks the one they all have to beat in the Betting World Maiden and is understandably favourite at 17-10 but 15-4 shot A Moment Apart may again run her close. Byleveld’s mount was only half a length behind despite losing ground at the start and it being her first race for five months.
By Michael Clower
