Sunday sees the second leg of the International Jockeys Challenge being contested at Kenilworth in the Cape. After the first leg at Turffontein on Friday night, the Internationals are in a commanding lead with 223 points over the 189 points of the Proteas.
Photo by Liesl King
Richard Hughes, captain of the Europeans, recorded two victories to lead the individual standings with 71 points, with Anthony Delpech in second place on 26 points.
Although not part of the Challenge, the main race on Sunday's card, the R300 000 Grade 2 Betting World Merchants (1200m) is shaping up to be an interesting contest with a full field of 20 runners lining up.
The likely winner seems to be the talented Splash Gold from the in-form Kannemeyer stable. The four year-old gelding beat a number of the runners in the Grade 2 Post Merchants in Durban. He was then reported not to be striding out in the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint on his next outing.
The Goldkeeper gelding has shown steady improvement since then and is having his third run a rest. Karel Nesius takes the ride and despite carrying 59kg, Splash Gold should occupy the number one box if back at his best.
The second runner from the Kannemeyer stable is the impressive looking Kitalpha gelding, The Shark. In his first outing after a rest, he finished fourth behind Variety Club in the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes(1400m). He should have come on from that run and although rated 14 points below Splash Gold, he is lightly weighted with 52kg on his back and could be a danger.
Cape champion trainer, Mike Bass, saddles five runners, with two catching the eye. Rushing Wind with Anton Marcus in the saddle has shown a speedy turn of foot, but doesn't always bring his best form to the races. If in the mood, the son of Windrush will be fighting out the finish. It is the gelding's second run after a rest and he will have come on from his last start where he finished less than a length behind the winner.
The second of the Bass horses that could contest the finish is the Champion two year-old colt Delago Deluxe(AUS). The Encosta De Lago colt's unbeaten streak came to an end when he finished third, 2.3L behind Depardieu in the Grade 3 Cape Classic(1400m) on his seasonal debut.
It was the colt's first attempt at the 1400m and he drops back in distance here. With Anthony Delpech in the saddle and a light weight of 52kg, Delago Deluxe could spoil the party for Splash Gold.
The Snaith stable may be sending out two ladies, but both are to be reckoned with. State Blue impressed when winning the Grade 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m). She returns from a three month break and if fit, the front running filly will be contesting the finish.
Dance With Al sprinted with the best of them on her day and is back to defend her title, having won this race in 2010. Although only managing a second behind State Blue at her last outing, the mare is always competitive. Dance With Al is having her first run after a rest and if ready, could fill the minor places.
Dark horse in the race is Captain Harry. The four year-old colt by Captain Al oozed ability, but is inclined to bolt to the front and then run out of steam in the closing stages. If talented M J Byleveld can persuade the wayward Captain Harry to settle, he is capable of causing a major upset.
