Kenilworth hosts a jackpot of features on Saturday culminating in the clash between reigning Horse Of The Year Futura and last season’s Cape three-year-old champ Act Of War in the Gr 2 Lanzerac Alta Mater Green Point Stakes over 1600m.

Act Of War was able to overcome a wide draw to win the Gr 3 Kudu Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Durbanville when showing an exceptional turn of foot from some way off the pace to reel in Heartland. He is up against a lot better this time and drawn wide again. However, he relaxes well wherever he is in the running so a wide draw over 1600m on this course will be a touch easier to overcome, especially considering there doesn’t look to be a lot of pace in the race. This will be his first test against the best horses in the country, but he is unbeaten over this distance and should have benefitted from his Matchem run. He is the one to beat and could go on to prove himself the best miler in the land in the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate

Futura ran on well in this race last year from a tough draw. He usually needs his first run after a rest, so will likely not run quite to his peak and likely prefers more than a mile. However his class will make him a tough nut to crack from a plum draw.

Paterfamilias could be the surprise package as the best has seldom been seen of him. He is drawn well over a step up in trip he will relish, having stayed on in a 1400m event in his first run since an 8,5 length victory over 1400m at Turffontein in March.

Ashton Park found a nice position from a high draw over 1400m last time out and stayed on well, losing to Captain America by a short-head despite a crop drop, so he has a chance of repeating his runner up finish in this race last year as he appears to love the Winter Course.

Captain America finished fourth in this race last year but on that occasion it was the big horse’s seasonal reappearance so he should be better this time having had a preparation outing on October 31 in the above mentioned 1400m race when just failing after running on late. He would appreciate cut in the ground, but the 10mm of rain forecast for tomorrow might not be enough to swing it in his favour. He would also prefer a more galloping track too, so his wide draw is a concern.

Sail For Gold has finished close to Act Of War over course and distance before at level weights and appears to be the Mike Bass yard elect. Punta Arenas loves to gallop and is still thriving as a seven-year-old, but would prefer further.

The Conglomerate proved he can be affective over this trip when winning the KRA Guineas, but he is unlikely to get the strong pace which played into his hands in that race and would ideally prefer further.

Helderberg Blue would prefer both further and a more galloping track. Night Trip has talent and is distance suited but his last run was uninspiring. They are selected in the order mentioned and Act Of War and Futura should be enough for the last leg of the Jackpot.

In the third leg of the Jackpot, the R2,5 million Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes, Equus Champion colt Seventh Plain should be too strong despite having to jump from draw 16 in the 16-horse field.

Liege was impressive in his maiden win over 1600m and then ran a good second to the top class Muwaary in the Graham Beck over this trip, so he could be the chief danger, although his wide draw won’t make it easy.

Anglet was unlucky in the Gr2 Choice Carriers over 1400m as she had to be eased when running on strongly from last and is now interesting from a fair draw with blinkers on.

The Stone Thrower could be a threat from a good draw if he jumps on terms, because with first time blinkers last time out in a strong Graduation Plate over 1200m he caught the eye running on strongly late.

Elysian Park is a progressive sort and from pole position can’t be ignored. Captain Chaos could be one to consider from a plum draw if jumping on terms. My Emblem has ability and should be cherry ripe. Waity Katy is well drawn and ran on well to beat older horses over 1600m last time, so could earn a cheque. Budapest, Dragon Flame and Kemal Kavur make most appeal of the rest.

Seventh Plain could be a Jackpot banker, otherwise the suggestion is to go wide. Muwaary is the one to beat in the second leg of the Jackpot, the Gr 2 Selangor Cup, as he is drawn in pole over a suitable trip and is full of class. Eighth Wonder won the Cape Classic well and a repeat will see him in contention from a good draw.

Hard Day’s Night will appreciate the step up in trip after his third place in the Cape Classic, but his wide draw is not ideal for his handy style. Rodney flew home in the Cape Classic and will likely love this trip. Sylvester The Cat is better than his last run, but as a difficult sort his wide draw makes it especially tough.

The Listed Lanzerac Le General Kenilworth Cup over 3200m could see Friendly Tibbs running down Ovidio and Arezzo late in the day.

By David Thiselton

Justin Snaith expects “a nice run” when Futura reappears in the Lanzerac Green Point Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday but he points out that it has not been easy to get the Equus Horse of the Year ready for the race.

He said yesterday: “Futura is well and he looks fantastic but we have had some very heavy tracks at Philippi during the present dry spell and we haven’t had the benefit of the water tanker that was meant to come. As a result it is hard to get a horse stripped fit for his first race of the season.”

Glen Kotzen has abandoned Cape Fillies Guineas ambitions for Princess Royal who managed only tenth when starting second favourite for the Choice Carriers Championship.

He said: “We were disappointed with that and, while there are so many things going around that you never know, it looks as if she didn’t stay. She has now had two runs round the turn and she didn’t go through with it in either.

“We are going to go the sprint route with her and, if we decide that she should go further once more, there is always Durban.”

Kotzen did not enter her for the World Sports Betting-sponsored classic on Saturday fortnight and impressive Choice Carriers winner Silver Mountain heads the 21 nominations. Mike De Kock has entered SA Nursery runner-up Shaama – although she is drawn widest of all – and he has put Choice Carriers second Entisaar into the Southern Cross Stakes on the same card.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Futura (Nkosi Hlophe)

Turffontein Inside stages a nine race card today and punters will be looking to accumulate some betting money for the forthcoming Sansui Summer Cup meeting.

In the first over 1450m Youcanrockme had to be used up to get handy from a wide draw over 1400m on the Standside last time but still ran a fair race and from a good draw this time could go close over a course and distance that could well suit her better. Redaire was awkwardly away on debut and green and was also tight for room in the closing stages. She reportedly made a breathing noise, but with natural improvement for a very much in form yard she should be right there despite a wide draw. Gavin Lerena has kept the ride. Banking April broke slowly from a tough draw on debut over 1000 and stayed on well, so should enjoy this step up in trip. Love Tryst and Snowdonia could earn. Of the first timers Sylvianna by Silvano cost R600,000 and is a half-sister to a Joshua Dancer colt who won over 1200m at Clairwood on debut. New Delhi is by Tiger Ridge out of a Rich Man’s Gold mare and is a half-sister to a Dynasty filly who won second time out over 1000m at Clairwood.

The second is a Graduation Plate over 1450m and Trophy Wife is best in at the weights and distance suited. The champion yard should have her fit enough and she is drawn in pole. Stablemate Imperial Gold should have benefitted from his last run, which followed an eight month layoff and gelding, and could follow her home. The disappointing Anjaal is a capable sort who can never been relied on and this is probably his optimum trip.

The third is a Maiden over 1200m and Justash with Gavin Lerena could be the one to side with in this weak event as he should appreciate the step back in trip and is well drawn. His hard knocking form is on sand but his three turf runs have been in strong company. Mississippi Rising has some fair form and should be thereabouts despite returning from a six month layoff. Calapan is drawn wide but has some pace and others to consider are Cry Of The Toreador and Ashkenazi.

In the fourth over 1600m Road To Indy made late progress in a well contested maiden over 1160m on debut and will relish the step up in trip so gets the vote from a good draw. Connaught Hotel was doing eyecatching late work against a promising sort over 1600m last time and with further improvement should be a contender for an in form yard, although he does have a tricky draw. Diamond Conker has a good draw for a change and should put in a bold bid.

In the fifth, a handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m, Heaps Of Fun was not disgraced when fifth in the Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup after having to be eased at the start and from a fair draw over a suitable trip should go close. Nikki won her maiden easily over 1200m against a weak field but should improve over this trip so should be a big runner from a good draw off a lenient merit rating. For The Lads is a distance Gr 1 winner running off a merit rating of 79 and Gavin Lerena has kept the ride after she ran on late last time over 1400m on the Standside course, so she is a most interesting runner. Sweet Habanero and Tell My Star are others to consider.

The sixth is a MR 70 Handicap over 1600m and Tabreek could be the one having been unlucky in his first run as a gelding last time over course and distance. He has been given a four point raise but is well drawn again. Rocketball has a touch of class and turf might be what he has been looking for after a string of good runs on the Greyville poly, although he does have a tough draw to overcome and the handicapper punished him three points for his last run. Facebook has been coming into his own and enjoys this course and distance so he could be involved. Regal Force and Kidmambo make most appeal of the rest.

The seventh is a MR 80 Handicap over 2600m. Silver Matador has snuck into the handicap with the minimum weight and he should be finishing as strongly as he did last time over course and distance. Top Shot has improved with blinkers and looks likely to relish this trip so he will likely go close with a light weight and Khumalo up from a good draw.  Supertube will love the course and distance and has Strydom up. Noble Star and Enaad also have to be considered.

In the eighth, a MR 76 Handicap over 1800m, Lava Flow has always had some class and bounced back to his best when blinkers were refitted last time so from pole position he should go close as he was running on in that 1600m race and is now drawn in pole off the same merit rating. Baracah has ability and will likely appreciate the step down in trip so off a lowered merit rating and from a god draw he could represent some value. Super Glue probably needed his last run quite badly and was far from disgraced, while being by Ideal World he should be coming into his own, so he is an interesting runner in his second run after a layoff of nearly a year. American Magic and Respectable Ruler make most appeal of the rest.

In the ninth, a MR 67 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m, Grand Epoque is off a competitive merit rating and could go close over a suitable trip if able to get handy from a wide draw without being used up too much. There is not much between her and Shawl and the latter does have a better draw so is a big runner. Spurwing Summer is drawn in pole and proved last time out over 2200m that she is competitive off this merit rating, while her only win has been over this course and distance.

By David Thiselton

French Navy, current favourite for the R2-million Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup, will jump from barrier No 8 when the horses jump from the 2000m mark at Turffontein on Saturday November 28. The final field and barrier positions for Johannesburg’s most prestigious race were announced on Wednesday.

The SA Classic and Daily News 2000 winner is one of two runners for champion trainer Sean Tarry, and will carry top weight of 60kg in the Grade 1 race and has Raymond Danielson up. “He is a horse who drops out and races from off the pace so the draw is not that important,” said Tarry.

“However, No 8 is decent position to be in.”

The Dean Kannemeyer-trained Vodacom Durban July winner Power King will receive 1.5kg from French Navy and like many progeny of Silvano could well now be at his peak as a five-year-old. He impressed in his recent preparation run over 1 200m at Greyville, flying up for third.

He is also nicely drawn at No 5 and will be ridden by Stuart Randolph who was aboard when Power King won the Durban July.

Irish import Flying The Flag will be one of three horses attempting to give Mike de Kock his 10th Summer Cup. He ran on well from the back in the Charity Mile and will likely relish the soft ground the rains could bring as he has done well in testing going in Ireland before.

“He has improved markedly since running in the Charity Mile and we’re hoping for a big run. But landing up with No 16 draw has not helped his chances,” said assistant trainer Mathew de Kock.

Master Sabina, runner up two years ago, will be having his second run after a year’s break and will be one of three horses attempting to give five-time champion trainer Geoff Woodruff his third successive victory in the race.

Woodruff won last year with Louis The King and in 2013 with Yorker when he trained the first three past the post.

Ultimate Dollar is one of two horses for Justin Snaith and will be fancied by many as the course and distance should perfectly suit his running style and he will be ridden by Piere Strydom. Unfortunately they drew No 19.

Final field for the R2-million Gauteng SANSUI Summer Cup (Grade 1) over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 28 November.

1 – 8 FRENCH NAVY (S G Tarry) R Danielson 60.0 – 113

2 – 5 POWER KING (D Kannemeyer) S Randolph 58.5 – 109

3 – 16 FLYING THE FLAG (M F De Kock) A Delpech 58.0 – 108

4 – 20 JUDICIAL (T Zackey) …………… 56.5 – 105

5 – 7 MASTER SABINA (G V Woodruff) G Lerena 56.5 – 105

6 – 9 HALVE THE DEFICIT (S G Tarry) S Khumalo 56.0 – 104

7 – 4 YER-MAAN (S J Gray) Q Riddle 56.0 – 104

8 – 17 MAC DE LAGO (W H Marwing) W Marwing 55.5 – 104

9 – 6 EASY LOVER (S T Pettigrew) M V’Rensburg 55.0 – 103

10 – 18 DEO JUVENTE (G V Woodruff) S Cormack 54.5 – 102

11 – 2 M L JET (G H Van Zyl) M Yeni 54.5 – 102

12 – 19 ULTIMATE DOLLAR (S J Snaith) P Strydom 54.5 – 102

13 – 10 DISCO AL (J Ramsden) A Fortune 54.5 – 101

14 – 14 DYNAMIC (S J Snaith) K de Melo 54.0 – 100

15 – 13 DIESEL JET (E Verdonese) M Byleveld 53.0 – 99

16 – 15 ST TROPEZ (J Ramsden) A Marcus 53.0 – 99

17 – 1 THE CAPTAIN’S TUNE (G V Woodruff) C Murray 53.0 – 99

18 – 12 AHLAAM (M F De Kock) J P v’d Merwe 52.0 – 96

19 – 11 THE CENTENARY (M F De Kock) C Zackey 52.0 – 96

20 – 3 PLATINUM JET (G H Van Zyl) K Zechner 52.0 – 91

Same Trainer: (1,6) (3,18,19) (5,10,17) (11,20) (12,14) (13,16)

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Sensible Lover has what it takes to upset the shorter-priced Come Fly With Me and Acrostar in the Racing.It’s A Rush Conditions Plate at Kenilworth tomorrow.

Greg Cheyne’s mount has three lengths to find with favourite Come Fly With Me on their running in last month’s Diana Stakes at Durbanville but she is 5.5kg better, has run a good race since and will strip fitter this time.

“Weiho Marwing trained her last season and she then went to the farm,” relates Darryl Hodgson. “She had been in only 22 days when she ran in the Diana and I thought she might well finish last but she ran pretty well. She will go very close here.”

Acrostar is also weighted to beat Come Fly With Me, on their running at Greyville in June, but this is her first outing for 15 weeks. “She will need it, particularly over a mile,” says Justin Snaith. “But I am expecting a good run.”

Acrostar was backed yesterday – from 33-10 to 22-10 with World Sports Betting- while Come Fly With Me eased marginally to 18-10. Sensible Lover was supported from 5-1 to 4-1 but she still looks value at that price.

The R3 million Ante Omnia managed only a disappointing ninth on his Cape Town debut but he could be worth another chance in the opening maiden, particularly at yesteday’s 11-2. He showed promise first time out at Scottsville and now wears blinkers. “He has come on but he is average,” cautions Dennis Drier.

The form horse, Psycho Syd, had the selection over seven lengths behind and has gone close in his last three. He is hot favourite at 18-10. Two others to watch out for are 10-1 shot Viking Voyage (if he runs) and Purple Rock (11-2) who is on a recovery mission.

“Viking Voyage’s work is exceptional but he gave a couple of coughs on Saturday so I’m not sure if I will run him,” reports Andre Nel while Hodgson says: “Purple Rock has a bit of ability but it was greenness last time – when he turned into the headwind in the straight he got lost – and that it is why I am putting him up the straight.”

The All To Come Maiden (race two) is wide open and a good case can be made for Tripinthemist (28-10) and 5-1 shot La Flambee (Adam Marcus: “She is working very well and we rode her the wrong way last time”) but it might be worth taking a chance with the consistent Brilliant Idea who is ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe for the first time. She was 7-2 yesterday and that looks reasonable considering her overall form.

Fayd’Herbe can also win races four and five. Brooklyn Brawler showed improved form last time and has a considerable draw advantage over Mega Secret and League Of Legends.

Little went right for Mulher De Branco when odds-on last time. She was ridden to get a position early but couldn’t get in and had to be eased back. She was also difficult to settle. The extra 200m should suit her. She was 2-1 yesterday and she should be able to beat 16-10 favourite Playboy Buddy.

By Michael Clower