Cape Guineas - What A winter

English-born Bass ready to complete Grade 1 set
Racing Post

Kenilworth: Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas (Grade 1) 1m,turf, 3yo

WHAT A WINTER (Mike Bass/Karl Neisius) is as short as 13-8 with some local layers to give his Leicester-born trainer his first success in the only Cape Grade 1 to have eluded him in 34 years as a trainer.

The favourite was an impressive winner of the Selangor (the best trial for this race) over 1m on the winter course here three weeks ago when he made amends for his shock defeat in the Cape Classic on his previous start.

In the Classic, he foughtfor his head and had nothing left when the race began in earnest.

Bass is confident he will not get unsettled in the preliminaries, saying: "He's a very relaxed horse and his temperament is good.

"He and my other runner Castlethorpe have both come through their preparation well. With a good draw and Anton Marcus in the irons, Castlethorpe is not out of it."

Strictly on the book Solo Traveller (Justin Snaith/Bernard Fayd'Herbe) could reverse Selangor placings with the favourite as he is 5.5lb better for two lengths.

Snaith said: "It's going to be close and the tougher mile of the summer course will suit my horse who did not get a clear run last time. Nor did stable companion Run For It (Felix Coetzee). I am leaning more towards Solo Traveller but you can't rule out Felix's mount."


Mike de Kock, bidding for his fourth Cape Guineas win in 11 years, runs both the consistent Kavanagh (Johnny Geroudis) and Perana (Kevin Shea) who started favourite for the Summer Cup last time, but dropped out after setting a strong pace over 1m2f.

De Kock said: "Kavanagh has been a little frustrating because I have been expecting a lot more from him. He needs to settle down in his mind but, when he puts it together, he will be awesome.

"Perana ran contrary to what we wanted in the Summer Cup and it's best to draw a line through that run. I'm not convinced he is a front-runner and his previous win in the Victory Moon is more the form I expect from him here."

Starting to agree with Rob and Dave. Leaning towards the de Kock coupling now. I don't think there is much between the Cape horses and I think the vaal raiders are tougher and better prepared for this duel. Just can't decide which one is the right one today. Perhaps Perana.

Top Seller @ 3.75 - 1 the place (4places) is worth a small bet, BUT i'm sticking with the Ramsden unbeaten perd...

Kavanagh home and hosed ... this card looks far too easy today... I getting scared.

gregbucks Wrote:

---

> Top Seller @ 3.75 - 1 the place (4places) is worth
> a small bet, BUT i'm sticking with the Ramsden
> unbeaten perd...


Agree on Top Seller, but Il Saggiatore has it all to do here imo - even held by Brilliant Cut on their last run - so I can't have that; guess the race will tell.

Tommy_Hotspur Wrote:

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> Ok so here is my 17 cents worth
>
> I feel that WaW was flattered by the result of his
> last race as the pace was very pedestrian and he
> was able to sprint right past them. Also at the
> weights and on the old course he had to have a big
> chance. Not so sure he will get the race to suit
> him this time. Having said that if he settles he
> should be right there.
>
> For me the horse to beat is Solo Traveler. He is
> better off at the weights with WaW but more
> importantly if there is a solid pace then Solo
> Traveler will be the main recipient. Also the
> Selangor was not run to suit Solo. He was too
> handy off a slow pace and got hampered.
>
> He now gets a plum draw, hopefully this grade 1
> will be run at a decent gallop and the best horse
> on the day wins?
>
> Once again I don't fancy Perana at all. That
> Victory Moon win was a complete anomaly. I can't
> explain it nor am I going to try but I just don't
> feel he is quite as good (yet) as that race makes
> him out to be.
>
> Kavanagh will be hard pressed to win imo, but
> stranger things have happened right?
>
> I just hope they go a decent clip and the pace is
> strong and true! In that case my money will be
> with Solo Traveler and Bernard to win the
> Guineas.
>
> Hope you guys enjoy the race. I won't be watching
> the race as the wife and I will be driving to
> Portland, Oregon for Christmas!


.....uuuhhhh thank you very much

Well done by Jallad - damsire of 1st and 2nd.

and Snaith 1-2 , well done !

No bet but well done to the connections a superb ride.

Just watch this stable

I'm going to rather say......Just watch this jockey!!!

1st 3 past the post drawn 1 2 3 and perana drawn 13 ...get on now perana for a massive group 1 victory soon

Good call Tombo....(tu)