“We are ready,” declares Justin Snaith as his two market leaders spearhead his 36-strong armada for tomorrow’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate meeting at Kenilworth.

“Futura has never been better for a race at a mile and certainly, if they don’t beat him here, they have no chance of doing so over 2 000m [in the J & B Met],” says the former champion. “But if Legislate rocks up they had all better watch out.”

Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Snaith insists that he cannot split the pair and, up to yesterday morning at any rate, nor can the market. There has been money for Legislate, enough to bring him down to 2-1 joint favouritism with his stable companion. Seemingly punters are remembering how he came back from similar lengthy lay-offs to smash the mile course record in last season’s Green Point and win the Gold Challenge.

Heartland’s role could be crucial – a poor gallop would throw the race wide open and the two favourites to the wolves. “We want a good pace but we will see what happens,” says Snaith. “I am not going to sacrifice him if he has a chance of getting a place.”

This is a good race for favourites – they have won seven of the last ten – and one of the big two should win tomorrow. Legislate is the better at a mile but Futura has a significant fitness advantage.

Captain America, nibbled at from 7-1 to 11-2, beat Futura in the Green Point with an enterprising ride but he is adaptable. “We will play it by ear because don’t have to be stereotyped on him,” says Brett Crawford. “But what I don’t want is a canter and then a sprint.”

Anton Marcus’s decision to change horses in mid-stream does not exactly inspire confidence in Act Of War who, don’t forget, made up a prodigious amount of ground in the short straight when coming from too far back in the Green Point.

He has drifted from 13-2 to 8-1 but the man who Joey Ramsden has called on to take over is perhaps the most naturally gifted of all the jockeys now riding and he is performing at the top of his game.

Noah From Goa (Liesl King)

Legal Eagle (9-1) is the highest-rated horse in the race – although it’s hard to see how he is better than Futura and in any case his rating was earned over longer trips than this.

“Anton discussed it with me and it wasn’t an easy choice to make,” says Derek Brugman, “But the main reason is that this is a prep for the Met for Legal Eagle and Anton wants to take him round Kenilworth. It will be the horse’s first time round a left-handed turn.

“We feel that the pace could be strong and that would suit Legal Eagle who went very well in his last gallop.”

Noah From Goa is the sixth three-year-old to run in six years. Gimmethegreenlight won, Variety Club was second and Ebony Flyer third. The other two were unplaced. Given that the Guineas winner is trained by Mike de Kock, 10-1 is probably a bit generous – but only a bit.

Same Jurisdiction is a justifiable 5-2 favourite for the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes but it’s worth pointing out that this is not a good race for favourites –ten of the last 13 were beaten and, had it not been for Beach Beauty, that stat would read 11 out of 13.

Duncan Howells is concerned about the wide draw despite having the master in the irons. “A bad draw is a bad draw and it’s not in my favour,” he insists. “This is going to be a real test of her stamina but she is a classy filly and I couldn’t have asked for a better preparation.”

She could have her work cut out to confirm Garden Province placings with the on-song 3-1 shot Smart Call while 8-1 is a big price about last year’s winner Inara. “She didn’t thrive in Durban so you can’t go on her running there,” advises Candice Robinson.

By Michael Clower

Greyville stages an eight race meeting on tonight, the first four on the poly and the others on turf, and punters who have done their homework should be rewarded as most of the races are competitive.

Black Cashmere (Nkosi Hlophe)

In race one, a Maiden Plate over 1400m, Elusive Wolf raced green for much of his first two starts, but the penny appeared to drop late in his last outing over this trip on the turf when wearing first-time blinkers, and he then caught the eye, so gets the vote with Delpech now up from a good draw. Hearts R’ Pumping led with first-time blinkers over 1600m on the poly last time and went close so should be thereabouts again in the uninspiring field. Jabuticaba should be improving and has the ability to earn a place in this field. Putchini was relaxed in the running for a change last time out despite running wide and consequently ran to his ability and with a repeat he should be involved in the finish as long as he doesn’t jump too slowly. Powder Keg has not been disgraced in some fair fields although his best form has been over 1200m. The first-timer Eton is by Black Minnaloushe and is a half-brother to a couple of multiple winners. First-timer Enemy Action is by Brave Tin Soldier out of a Badger Land maiden.

Race two is a very competitive Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1400m which has a number of possible winners. Imbali was backed on debut and ran on to be four lengths back in sixth from a tough draw over the Scottsville 1000m, so she gets the vote from a good draw as she will relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Catherine Of Aragon has some early speed and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip, being out of a seven-time winning Gr 3 victor from 1600-2450m. Blue Beach was still green last time but stayed on strongly and if getting into the race earlier has a shout, although she would likely prefer further being a full-sister to a 2400m winner. Roy’s Monkey did well when taken to the front last time on turf and from draw two with Marcus up has an ideal chance to repeat the tactic. Young Lass had to be rousted after starting slowly on debut and stayed on quite well in the straight without being cut in half so some improvement can be expected from this eyecatching sort although her pedigree suggests she might be suited to shorter (her full-sister Nordic Lass won her maiden over 1450m but was subsequently kept to sprints and her half-brother Mr Mickey Mouse was a Listed-winning 1000m specialist). All of Villa Floriana, Daenerys and Being Julia could earn too.

The third is a MR 66 handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m. Black Cashmere is interesting stepped down in trip. She went to the front from a wide draw over 1600m on the Greyville turf when winning her maiden second time out and beating a decent sort in the process. She then overraced over the same course and distance last time which suggests she could be interesting over this suitable trip as she should have enough pace to get to the front from a wide draw. Obrega went close over course and distance in October in a similar field from a similar draw and off the same merit rating. Donna Amata is drawn in pole and could run on into the money, but she does tend to start slowly and would likely prefer 1600m.

Donna Amata (Nkosi Hlophe)

The fourth is a MR 66 Handicap over 1600m and Strategic’s Pride makes most appeal as he has an ideal draw with Anton Marcus aboard and has a lowered merit rating, so on recent evidence should be finishing strongly over an ideal course and distance. Danish Wood appeared to love the course and distance on his return to action last time when sharing the spoils and from pole position should make another bold bid off just a two point higher mark. Second Lieutenant could earn from a handy position having not been disgraced last time over this distance on turf in a race in which he was 4,5kg under sufferance.

The fifth is a MR 74 Handicap over 1600m and Night Shadow has been in fine form since being stepped up to a distance beyond this trip. However, the key might be being by Silvano he has simply come into his own, and on recent evidence he could be too classy for this field. Capel Top is drawn in pole off a four point higher mark than his last win, which was over this trip on the poly, and he should be staying all the way to the line over a trip which is probably the shortest of his stamina range. Argyle Bay has been running on late over 1400m so is interesting here off an attractive merit. He starts slowly so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a concern as he can be slotted in behind the field. Roy’s Strike Force has run on over 1200m and could earn here if staying the trip, which he could do as his National Assembly dam finished second in a Listed race over a mile. Rocky Bay, representing an in form yard, is one point lower than his last winning mark and ideally distance suited.

The sixth is a MR 86 Handicap over 2000m and Kitty’s Destiny has always struck as one with plenty of ability and as one who would improve with age and over distance so from a god draw off a likely capped merit rating he could follow up on his recent facile victory on the poly over this trip. Qatar Springs has come class and is distance suited. Dante’s Legacy has been highly tried, so is obviously well regarded, and in his third run after a layoff is drawn in pole over a step up in trip he will enjoy.

The seventh is a MR 62 Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m and Lady Ami at last gets a good draw over her best trip and she has been lowered in the merit ratings. The hard-knocking Class Mondiale should be thereabouts if able to find the front without using up too much energy. Tales Of Mambo now has Marcus up having proved herself suited to this trip, although she doesn’t have an easy draw. Jet NTombi has a tough draw but should be running on. Barcelona Babe is likely improving being by Silvano and could earn.

The last is a MR 70 Handicap over 2000m and the improving Pure Valor has Marcus up from a fair draw and can make amends for his last race when just touched off over this trip on the poly. Forest has some class and is interesting stepped down to 2000m. Jamal is well drawn over a suitable trip and has come down to an attractive merit rating.

By David Thiselton

Erstwhile South African race caller Peter Duffield often loudly exclaimed, “It’s race time!” With similar enthusiasm, the Mikedekockracing.com team would like to announce… “It’s Dubai International Carnival Time”!

Meydan’s pillar partner and official timekeeper, Longines, presents the opening US$920,000 Dubai World Cup Carnival card of 2016 today, highlighted by the first rounds of the Al Maktoum Challenge races for Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds.

Mike de Kock fields nine runners at this opening meeting and he jokingly described them as his ‘Squad Of Pensioners’. The average age of the stable’s first runners is six-and-a-half years which would’ve been close to seven if not for the presence of four-year-old Banaadeer, who will leading the Band Of Old Boys from Blue Stables to the racetrack.

Meydan’s officials won’t be handing out any carrot vouchers and they won’t allow the likes of nine-year-old Star Empire and eight-year-old Anaerobio any head-start but chances are the old stalwarts won’t need any favours.

“I suspect my average horse at Meydan’s first carnival meeting is older than the average horse in Sean Tarry’s yard and that tells you the story,” De Kock quipped in reference to his friend, the reigning South African Champion Trainer.

He added: “These older horses become more and more unpredictable with age, but they are still so impressive, they love their work and they’re fresh with all indications that they will see out another season just loving it. The carnival lends itself to horses like these who don’t race a lot elsewhere.”

De Kock supplied notes on his runners:

Race 2: Handicap over 1200m on Dirt
 Royal Ridge (Wayne Smith)
“Our horse here is seven-year-old Royal Ridge, who ended his Carnival last year with a good run over 1400m on dirt. He has a good inside gate, he’s well and has a Place chance.

Race 3: Handicap over 1000m on Turf
Banaadeer (AUS) (Dane O’Neill)
“I said last year that Banaadeer will be a better horse this year and I will stick to that, he looks the part. He’s in what I believe is a really tough comeback race so this won’t be easy. He’s fresh and well but will improve for the outing.”

Race 4: Gr2 Al Maktoum Challenge (Race 1), 1600m on Dirt
Prayer For Relief (USA) (Christophe Soumillon)
“Here’s an interesting horse called Prayer For Relief, he is eight years old.  He came to us just before World Cup night last year and we had only two weeks to prepare him so that was far from ideal. Despite that he ran a fair race about eight lengths off in the Gr2 Godolphin Mile. He’s had a very good preparation this time, he is sound and moving well. The drawbacks are that this comeback run is on dirt, that’s never easy, and also he’s in a really competitive field. It’s a strong renewal of the Maktoum Round 1 that includes plenty of Godolphin Mile runners from last year. Five of them were ahead of him on the day. We’ll see how he goes, he has some good scope for the carnival.”

Race 5: Handicap over 2000m on Turf
Star Empire (Sam Hitchcott), Sanshaawes (Christophe Soumillon) and Atomic Rush (Wayne Smith)
“The old guy Star Empire is fresh as a daisy, he and Sanshaawes are quite fit and while I cannot predict with any confidence how they will go, we’re expecting decent runs from both. Atomic Rush had a fetlock injury and hence a disappointing carnival last year, but he’s over that and he’s well, he is not 100% fit and will benefit from this run. Also he looks like he needs 2400m plus. He’s a nice horse, he is one for the carnival shortlist and we look forward to his campaign this term.”

Race 7: Handicap over 1400m on Turf
Zahee (Christophe Soumillon) Anaerobio (Wayne Smith) and Whistle Stop (Dane O’Neill)
“Zahee and Anaerobio are both in fine shape, they are as fit as they can be and again, while these older horses can let you down, their work is good enough to make them runners with chances. Whistle Stop was unsettled last year but he’s had a good rest and he’s doing well at home, he’s a different kettle of fish. He needs further and will improve with the run behind him.

*Race 1 of 7 at Meydan jumps at 5pm tonight (Thursday, January 7)

Courtesy of Mikedekockracing.com

The Gr 3 Cartier Politician Stakes over 1800m will form an important leg of the expected R2,4 million Pick 6 at Saturday’s big L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate meeting and this traditional pointer to the GR 1 Investec Cape Derby is full of intrigue.

Rabada (Nkosi Hlophe)

The Mike Azzie-trained Gr 1-winner Rabada is the best in at the weights on official merit ratings, despite having to lug 62kg. However, Markus Jooste’s racing manager Derek Brugman was unhappy that, due to an administrative veterinary hitch related to African Horse Sickness regulations, Rabada had only been able to leave Randjesfontein for Cape Town on Tuesday this week. He travelled well and was “fit and well”, but Brugman did not know what to expect as the horse would obviously have less time to recover from the 18 hour journey than they would have liked. Brugman added Rabada had proved “in need of the run” when beaten three lengths into second in the R2,5 million CTS Ready To Run Cup over 1400m at Turffontein, “through no fault of anybody’s as he was thought to be fit enough.” That was his seasonal reappearance and his first career defeat. He subsequently missed his engagement in the Gr 1 Grand Parade cape Guineas due to a bout of pharyngitis, which he has fully recovered from. He has a plum draw of two.

Unexposed horses often emerge as leading lights from the Politician Stakes and one such candidate is the Justin Snaith-trained Silvano colt Black Arthur. He has only had three starts to date and on the evidence of his last start when repelling when repelling the decent sort Mambo Mime on the Old Course 1600m, he will relish both the step up in trip of the Politician Stakes and the longer straight of the New Course. He was receiving 5kg from Mambo Mime, but took a while to get going, and at the line was pulling clear effortlessly. The weights are set by merit rated band and on the downside Black Arthur’s is not officially well weighted, and he is widely drawn too, but he looks capable of rising well above his current 90 merit rating and Piere Strydom is aboard.

Snaith stable jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe is aboard Star Chestnut, probably due to the weight of 58,5kg, but he does have pole position and on the evidence of his 4,4 length ninth in the Gr 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas, he should enjoy the step up in trip as he was staying on nicely from well back in the running.

Star Chestnut (Nkosi Hlophe)

Another stablemate Baritone, who is officially 2kg better off with Black Arthur as he carries 57kg off a 94 merit rating, had the run of the Cape Guineas from pole position and stayed on well for a 2,2 length sixth. Gavin Lerena will be aboard and this Trippi colt should also enjoy the step up in trip, being out of a Singspiel mare who won the Gr 3 Jubilee Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein.

The last of the Snaith runners is the More Than Ready gelding More Than Grand, a progressive sort who won over course and distance last time when using his big stride to stay on resolutely. He is merit rated only 81 and carrying 54kg, meaning he is 7kg out with Rabada, but he looks to have scope and is one of the dark horses.

A horse who will definitely love the trip, and further, is the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Cape Speed, who was a touch disappointing in a MR 85 handicap over 1600m against older horses last time as he was unable to produce any telling acceleration in the straight and was beaten over seven lengths by Milton. Before that he had looked a most promising Derby prospect. That last outing was his second run after a layoff and he will prefer this trip, so he can’t be written off just yet.

The form of Cape Speed’s last race points to the Mike Bass-trained Marinaresco having a chance here as he finished close to Milton at level weights over 1400m and will likely love this trip.

The other Bass-trained contender, Tin Soldier, won full of running over 1600m last time out and being by Silvano should be improving all the time

The Sean Tarry-trained Liege had genuine excuses for his two below par Cape Town runs and he could therefore end up being the best value price in the field as he has shown before why he is so well regarded and he will enjoy the trip.

The Mike de Kock-trained Mooghamir is well regarded and on the up and showed tremendous resolve when winning his first Cape Town start over this course and distance. He has similar form to that which De Kock’s 2015 Cape Derby winner Ertijaal had at this time last year.

Mooghamir holds Nebula and Eastern Charm on that last run. Kemal Kavur will find it tough as a front-running type from a wide draw. Solar Night is widely drawn and looks held on his overall form.

By David Thiselton

Captain America has been one of the most supported horses for Saturday’s big race at Kenilworth, the R1 million weight for age Gr 1 L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate over 1600m, shortening in from 7/1 to 11/2 with Betting World and he is at that same price with World Sports Betting, but his chances of beating his former stablemate Futura, who has remained steady as 2/1 favourite, don’t look bright on paper.

Captain America (Liesl King)

The big son of Captain Al will attempt to keep the fine run of the Brett Crawford yard in this prestigious race going. Crawford finished second with Jackson in both 2013 and 2014, behind only the mighty Variety Club, before winning it last year with Futura. The latter is likely still the apple of his eye as he took him from maiden through the ranks to a Queen’s Plate and J&B Met double. However, the superstar subsequently left his yard due to a well documented dispute between the owners.

Futura looks to be the horse to beat again as he looks to have had a faultless preparation for top trainer Justin Snaith, who guided the brilliant Dynasty entire to a fourth career Gr 1, the Champions Cup over 1800m at GReyville, after taking over the reins from Crawford.

Captain America beat Futura at level weights in the Gr2 Lanzerac Alta Mater Green Point Stakes over 1600m on the tighter Kenilworth Old Course last time out in November, but is unlikely to be allowed the same easy lead he had in that race. Futura was closing fast, losing by just half-a-length. Both horses will have benefitted from the run. Futura had previously beaten Captain America twice, in the 2014 Vodacom Durban July, when finishing third, and in the 2014 Green Point Stakes, when also third.

Captain America would love some rain and according to the forecast might be getting 3mm on all of today, tomorrow and Saturday. However, that would likely not be enough to swing it in his favour as the ground is still likely to be fast, which is just the way Futura loves it.

The Green Point did at least show that Captain America settled well in front, which allowed him to quicken superbly rounding the final turn. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see him leading him again from a wide draw of ten. However, in doing so he might have to be used up to get ahead of the likes of Noah From Goa and Heartland inside of him as the latter pair are unlikely to be hanging around.

However, if Captain America doesn’t go to the front he is not going to have it easy slotting in, especially considering his big frame.

Futura meanwhile has a plum draw of two and will likely have a plenty in the tank in the straight before unleashing his devastating turn of foot.

It all points to Futura having the edge in this particular clash, which some might believe to be a grudge match, but as Crawford and Snaith are both sporting in victory and defeat they are unlikely to be seeing it that way themselves.

By David Thiselton