Graeme Hawkins 

Todays R500 000 Cape Punters Cup (Gr2) for 3yo’s over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth may be short in numbers but is certainly not lacking in quality as One Stripe looks to cement his claims for the R2-million Cape Guineas over the same track and trip on 14 December. 

Trained by Vaughan Marshall, One Stripe made a sensational seasonal debut when finishing second behind last year’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) winner, Snow Pilot, six weeks ago on 7,5kgs worse terms than weight-for-age. To put that performance into even greater perspective, Snow Pilot came out to obliterate the opposition by six lengths last weekend and the formbook clearly suggests that One Stripe is difficult to oppose in tomorrow’s headliner.

Had One Stripe taken part in the Langerman over 1500m back in June – he was a late scratching due to failing the TCO2 test – the picture would be a little clearer as to how Eight On Eighteen and All Out For Six measure up against One Stripe. In One Stripe’s absence, Eight On Eighteen took out the Langerman on a soft track, pulling clear of All Out For Six to score by close on a length. Though Eight On Eighteen has not been seen winning the Langerman, Justin Snaith reports that the son of Lancaster Bomber “is doing great at home”, but there is always the chance that he may just need it, as he prepares to possibly give the ill-fated stallion Lancaster Bomber his second consecutive Guineas winner in December.

But while we are left speculating as to how Eight On Eighteen potentially shapes up against One Stripe, Marshall will have a fair idea as he also trains All Out For Six. He has made no secret of the fact that he holds All Out For Six in very high regard, but one gets the feeling that One Stripe remains the principal flag-bearer for the stable.

From the moment he went into training, On My Honour has shown trainer Glen Kotzen that the son of Gimmethegreenlight is well above average and a potential Classic contender. The decision was made not to race the colt as a juvenile but rather to afford him the time to mature and strengthen. Since making his debut in August, On My Honour has shown steady improvement and has won his last three on the bounce. After racing very greenly in his first two starts, Kotzen elected to give On My Honour a “soft” route into the Cape Punters Cup and his last two victories came on the polytrack at Fairview, including a facile victory in the R250 000 Racing Association Stakes (Listed) a month ago.

His racing manners have improved significantly with the experience but clearly On My Honour faces his toughest test to date and only the race will show whether he is capable of matching strides with the likes of One Stripe, Eight On Eighteen and All Out For Six. On the plus side, On My Honour is still very much on an upward curve and has had an exceptional prep for tomorrow’s big test.

Captain West was only half-a-length behind All Out For Six over 1400m three weeks ago and is another who is very highly thought of by his trainer, Brett Crawford. The trip may be a question mark for the speedy son of One World, but he has shown enough class to be competitive. Garrix completes the six-horse party off the back of a very impressive maiden win over 1200m in only his second racetrack appearance earlier this month, and he could prove even more effective over 1600m. 

From the local contenders’ perspective, the outcome of the 2024 renewal of the Cape Punters Cup will offer a clearer picture as to what to expect in next month’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr1) but, for now, it’s very difficult to make a solid case against One Stripe and he gets the vote to take another forward step towards Guineas glory.

Rascova, Red Palace, Saartjie and Double Grand Slam dominate the R180 000 Summer Bowl (F&M) over 1600m, and Red Palace could hold sway over Rascova and Double Grand Slam. Saartjie cannot be lightly discarded but she could just need a run and may prefer a touch further. Rascova, Double Grand Slam and Red Palace all made recent eye-catching seasonal debuts, but the most impressive of these was Red Palace who scored emphatically over 1400m at Durbanville a month ago.

The fifth race on the programme is the R225 000 World Sports Betting Bantry Bay Stakes over 1100m and Questioning should prove a tough nut to crack. Questioning won the Matchem Stakes over 1400m towards the end of September, but he is very versatile and just at home down the lane at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Outlaw King has posted two very good efforts since being gelded and he could pick up the pieces if Questioning fluffs his lines. Meu Capitano beat Questioning over 1200m on a soft track back in June and rates a threat in receipt of 6kgs. Bereave is much better than his most recent below-par effort and he could get into the mix.

The fourth race, the R250 000 World Sports Betting Sophomore Sprint (Listed) over 1200m, could be a boatrace between Lion Rampart, who is reunited with Champion Jockey Richard Fourie, and Roman Agent with JP van der Merwe in the saddle. Judged on their juvenile form there is not much to choose between the pair, but Roman Agent is having only his second start as a gelding and the good-looking grey son of Vercingetorix may have the upper hand over the extended sprint trip.

The 10-race meeting gets under way at 12:05 with the first “baby” scurry of the season over 800m. The betting market will provide some guide, but I would keep a close eye on either Black Cheetah or Call Of The Karoo. 

RACE 1

The day starts with a full field of first timers, watch the market closely, get the Trainer comments and watch these two-year old’s move down to the start first before striking a bet. One horse that does jump off the page in the opener is 4 BLACK CHEETAH, he is the half-brother to Great Plains who is also trained by Justin Snaith and has won 4 of his 7 starts to date, champion jockey Richard Fourie has been booked to ride this good-looking son of Querari on debut. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 5 – 6)

RACE 2

7 ENGLEFIELD GREEN ran a lovely race last time behind Miraculous when finishing second, her form to date is excellent, she now steps up in trip to 1400m which will give her a massive winning chance. 3 RUSSIAN ROYAL comes back to the races from a 92-day break, her debut run was super behind Jou Lekker Ding when finishing third, there is no doubt she is looking for this trip, from a good draw, she will be a massive danger to them all. 5 NEMOROSA improved dramatically from run one to run two, she is a good-looking filly that will get better and stronger with more racing, watch her closely in this tricky race. 6 LOUI’S STAR stayed on strongly behind Pink Pigeon in her last start, she will love the step up in trip, include her into all bets. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 3 – 5 – 6)

RACE 3

15 TUSCAN ROMANCE will love the fact that she is back in trip and sprinting again, she has had no luck with draws over 1400m in her last two starts, now that she races up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth again, she will take lots of beating. 7 HOPE CHEST is a nice big striding filly that will undoubtedly prefer further in time, she was very green in her last start when finishing third behind Miraculous, this looks to be a good race for her to be competitive. 5 FROM A DISTANCE stayed on well from a wide draw in her most recent start, her form is consistent, and the blinkers have been fitted, include her into all bet types. 11 PAPILLON BLU ran a much better race last time, on her best form, she could sneak into the Quartets at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 15 – 7 – 5 – 11)

RACE 4

3 LION RAMPART will be very hard to beat, he needed his last run badly when showing plenty speed early and then getting tired late, now that he races back over the 1200m trip, he should take all the beating. 6 KAIBOY won a super race last time beating Mon Petit Cherie who went on to win the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship, the yard think highly of this individual, he is clearly still improving and must be factored into all bets. 7 ROMAN AGENT improved beautifully after a rest and gelding, his comeback run behind Luhamba Phambili was very good when finishing strongly for second, he has tons of ability and must be respected. 4 MISS WORLD ran a decent race last time with the blinkers fitted, she must have a Quartet chance. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 6 – 7 – 4)

RACE 5

3 MEU CAPITANO was desperately unlucky in his last start behind Dance Variety, he got bumped out the gates and then took off to run third, he is progressive and will give a good account of himself. 6 QUESTIONING won the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes with absolute ease when beating Montien, he is a high-class individual that is very versatile, he will be right there in the finish. 12 KING REGENT is in the form of his life at the moment, he won all three legs of the Eastern Cape Poly challenge extremely well, with some luck in running, he will be hitting the line hard, watch him late. 8 OUTLAW KING ran a cracker in his most recent start behind Rascova, he is packed with ability, if he can build on his recent start, he should have a good money chance in this competitive race. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 6 – 12 – 8)

RACE 6

4 RED PALACE quickened up in devastating fashion to beat Double Grand Slam last time at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, she is a star filly in the making that will improve even further now that she is racing back over 1600m, watch her for the Cape Summer Season, she will be very hard to beat here. 3 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM needed her last run badly, she moved up really well past the 300m mark and then got tired late, she is classy and will be right there in the finish. 2 RASCOVA fought hard to the line to win well back on the 26th of October, she likes to race up on speed, she should finish amongst the places on her best form. 9 SAARTJIE has been rested for 118 days, from a tricky draw, she will be doing good work late. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 2 – 9)

RACE 7

5 ONE STRIPE is a star colt in the making, his last run in the Progress Plate behind Snow Pilot was outstanding, the form of that race has worked out well, his work going into this race has been super and he will be very tough to beat. 4 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN has been rested for 154 days, he was last seen winning the Grade 3 Langerman impressively by just under one length, the yard think highly of this colt, he is improving and must be respected in a big way. 2 ON MY HONOUR has done everything asked of him, he has a tremendous action and quickens smartly, the sky could be the limit for this three-year-old son of Gimmethegreenlight, include him. 6 GARRIX won his maiden exceptionally well, this is a big step up in class now, but he will love the step up in trip, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 4 – 2 – 6)

RACE 8

1 EMPIRE STATE had no luck in running last time, he was a long way back when they turned for home and he stayed on strongly late behind Aristotle, from a good draw again there should be no excuses, he will go very close to winning at a decent price. 2 SPIRIT’S UNITE never runs a bad race, he is as honest as the day is long, from a good draw, he should be amongst the places again. 11 UNICORN ALERT could represent all the value in this wide-open looking race, the blinkers are off and he continues to drop in the ratings, with some luck in running, he could give them all a fright in the finish. 6 BILLY COOL is a lovely looking sort that ran a fair race out the maidens, he needed that run and will enjoy the step up in trip, watch for big improvement. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 2 – 11 – 6)

RACE 9

6 ROYAL PORT LOUIS finished second behind a smart horse last time, he has been super consistent through his entire career, this looks to be a nice race for him to get it right. 3 HEEMSTEDE had no luck in running from a wide draw last time at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, he is a good-looking son of Potala Palace that will improve lengths from his first run, watch him closely. 2 EXPRESS YOURSELF was only beaten just under four lengths by Zeitz in his most recent start, he is improving with every run and must be respected in this tricky looking race. 12 FUTURE FREQUENCY improved tremendously in his second start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he should love the step up in trip, watch him late. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 3 – 2 – 12)

RACE 10          

4 GOLDEN GREY was very disappointing in his most recent start behind Join The Dots, he is a tricky horse that needs a particular ride, in hope that the race works out for him, he should be able to bounce back to form and must be included into all bet types. 1 GREENLIGHT LEGEND ran on powerfully behind Forgotten Song last time, she made up good ground late from a long way back, from a good draw with no weight on her back, she must be included. 2 BOMBERS IN THE SKY ran a lovely race behind Zeitz last time, the blinkers come off and he steps up in trip, watch for further improvement. 8 CONGRESSMAN likes to race up on speed, he can be quite strong in his races, hopefully he settles in running over this 2000m trip and he can earn again for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 1 – 2 – 8)

David Thiselton

Turffontein Standside stages an eight-race meeting on today that could help bolster the funds for the big Betway Summer Cup meeting next Saturday.

The highest rated races at the meeting are a Graduation Plate over 1000m and a MR 95 Handicap over 1160m.

In the Graduation Plate, Lead The Charge is a talented sprinter who can progress further over a suitable course and distance from a favourable high draw of five out of six. He is officially 1,5kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair, who are French Bolt and Master Casper. 

Karate Kid has the 1,5kg allowance of Rachel Venniker and is also drawn six  out of six so that and his progressive profile will help alleviate the fact that he is officially 6kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair. Rondebosch is an up and coming sort who can rise above his current merit rating, which officially puts him 3,5kg under sufferance, but he does have the tricky number one draw. Fostinovo should be cherry-ripe but does have a tricky low draw and is 9kg under sufferance, although he does have a 2,5kg claimer up. French Bolt and Master Casper are potentially top class, but both are making their seasonal reappearances.

In the MR 95 Handicap over 1160m, Richard The First is talented and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. He will be hard to beat. Paisley Park is usually thereabouts and can be again from a nice high draw. Slinky Mapimpi ran a blinder last time to beat a classy sort in Fatal Flaw and could follow up over a further drop in trip from a nice high draw. Midnight Gem is an honest sort who is drawn on the right side over a suitable course and distance. Edward Rye is in good form but has a tricky low draw.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, a MR 86 handicap for fillies and mares over 1600m, the progressive Across The Pond has a fair draw over a suitable trip and can make it a third win in her last four starts. Doitwithdiamonds is in fine form and could make an honest attempt to run on from behind after being dropped out from a tricky draw, although she has a three-point raise to contend with for her last win. Elembee should go close if repeating her August run over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Hillary Step has fair form and is distance suited and well drawn. Spirited Girl is in fine form and would be the one to beat of it was over 1400m, so the question is whether she will see it out. She has a good draw which will help.

In the fifth race over 2000m, a Middle Stakes event, the long-striding Indian Ocean goes well for Piere Strydom and has a plum draw over a suitable trip. Tamarisk Tree is in hard knocking form and from pole position should go close again. Mount Darwin has talent and is capable of running on so could be dropped out from a wide draw. Royal Edition is in good form and is distance suited and well drawn. Sugar Blast won well last time but does have a four-point raise to overcome. 

In the sixth race over 1400m, On Target won well second time out and off a reasonable 83 merit rating with Lerena up, can go close over the same trip, although the tricky draw is a concern. Fast Duty is course and distance suited and only three points higher for his win last time. Libeccio is effective over this trip and has a plum draw. Gimme The Flame should handle the step up in trip and has a fair draw. Sail The Sky won well last time and is only three points higher.

In the last race over 1160m, Fastnet Filly is up against the boys but made a fine Highveld debut and off a 74 merit rating could follow up. Peace Treaty is drawn on the right side and is capable of better than last time. Passage Of Power can be involved if bouncing back to form under Venniker who gets a handy 1,5kg allowance. Prince Of Kildare has the ability to go close but does have a low draw. Secret Chord is capable of better than his last two.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1600m, the hard-knocking pair of Tuscan Star and Lacewing could fight it out.

In the first leg of the PA over 1600m, Pretty Analia, Fireburst and Tried And True could get punters through.

RACE 1     

2 TUSCAN STAR 1 LACEWING 5 ASIAH’S TIAR 6 LADY SABRINA

Preview: 2 TUSCAN STAR has a form chance here from a tricky draw of five out of eight. 1 LACEWING has hard knocking form but has a tough draw. 5 ASIAH’S TIAR has run two fair faces and from a good draw could be in the shake up. 6 LADY SABRINA had a tough draw on debut and can make amends here. (David Thiselton 2-1-5-6)

RACE 2     

8 PRETTY ANALIA 6 FIREBURST 5 TRIED AND TRUE 7 KURAMATHI

Preview: 8 PRETTY ANALIA is capable of running on well and has a plum draw over what should be an ideal course and distance. 6 FIREBURST is capable of better than last time and Lerena is now back up although she does have a tough draw. 5 TRIED AND TRUE won well first time out on the Highveld and should be there again if able to overcome a tough draw. 7 KURAMATHI is on the up but does have a tricky draw. (David Thiselton 8-6-5-7)

RACE 3     

2 LEAD THE CHARGE 3 KARATE KID 6 RONDEBOSCH 1 FOSTINOVO

Preview: 2 LEAD THE CHARGE is a talented sprinter who can progress further over a suitable course and distance from  a great draw. . 3 KARATE KID is a hard knocker who will appreciate the step down in trip. 6 RONDEBOSCH is an up and coming sort but does have a tricky number one draw. 1 FOSTINOVO should be cherry ripe but does have a tricky low draw. (David Thiselton 2-3-6-1)

RACE 4     

7 ACROSS THE POND 5 DOITWITHDIAMONDS 3 ELEMBEE 2 HILLARY STEP

Preview: 7 ACROSS THE POND is a progressive sort who could rise further and she has a fair draw over this suitable trip. 5 DOITWITHDIAMONDS is in fine form and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip. 3 ELEMBEE is capable over this trip and should go close if repeating her August run over this trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. 2 HILLARY STEP is is fair form and is distance suited and well draw. (David Thiselton 7-5-3-2) 

RACE 5     

2 INDIAN OCEAN 5 TAMARISK TREE 6 MOUNT DARWIN 8 ROYAL EDITION

Preview: 2 INDIAN OCEAN is a long-striding sort who will relish the course and distance and she has a plum draw and goes well for Piere Strydom. 5 TAMARISK TREE is in hard knocking form and from pole position should go close again. 6 MOUNT DARWIN has talent and is capable of running on so could be dropped out from a wide draw. 8 ROYAL EDITION is in good form and is distance suited and well drawn. (David Thiselton 2-5-6-8) 

RACE 6     

2 ON TARGET 5 FAST DUTY 3 LIBECCIO 8 GIMME THE FLAME

Preview: 2 ON TARGET won well second time out and off a reasonable 83 merit rating with Lerena up can go close over the same although the tricky draw is a concern. 5 FAST DUTY is course and distance suited and only three points higher for win last time. 3 LIBECCIO is effective over this trip and has a plum draw. 8 GIMME THE FLAME should handle the step up in trip and has a fair draw. (David Thiselton 2-6-3-8)

RACE 7     

2 RICHARD THE FIRST 3 PAISLEY PARK 4 SLINKY MAPIMPI 7 MIDNIGHT GEM

Preview: 2 RICHARD THE FIRST is talented and is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. 3 PAISLEY PARK is usually thereabouts and can be again from a nice high draw. 4 SLINKY MAPIMPI ran a blinder last time to beat a classy sort and could follow up over a further drop in trip from a nice high draw. 7 MIDNIGHT GEM is an honest sort who is drawn on the right side over a suitable course and distance. (David Thiselton 2-3-4-7)

RACE 8     

9 FASTNET FILLY 6 PEACE TREATY 1 PASSAGE OF POWER 8 PRINCE OF KILDARE

Preview: 9 FASTNET FILLY is up against the boys but made a fine Highveld debut and off a 74 merit rating could follow up. 6 PEACE TREATY is drawn on the right side and is capable of better than last time. 1 PASSAGE OF POWER can be involved if bouncing back to form under Rachel Venniker who gets a handy 1,5kg claim. 8 PRINCE OF KILDARE has the ability to go close but does have a low draw. (David Thiselton 9-6-1-8)

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