Cape Racing saw in the New Year with the R125 000, Listed, Southeaster Sprint at Kenilworth on Monday.
Photo by Liesl King
Thankfully the race was not run into a southeaster headwind as can so often be the case in January, and the Justin Snaith trained Cap Alright took full advantage, notching up his second win in as many starts.
M J Byleveld rode a masterful race on Cap Alright (52.5 kg) who tends to be one paced at times. With the field split between the inside and outside rail, he sent Cap Alright up the inside behind speedy Varushka, while Punta Del Este led the bunch up the outside.
At the business end of the race, Byleveld sent Cap Alright past the filly to open up two lengths on the field. Captain's Secret (59.5 kg), the favourite at 7/2, launched an attack up the outside after overcoming traffic problems and Copper Parade came flying up from further back.
Although Cap Alright had no more to offer, Byleveld had stolen a march on the field, and they managed to stay clear of the chasing bunch to cross the line a length ahead of Copper Parade (Lecture) in a time of 62.51 sec. Monsieur Dupont (Dupont) finished 0.75L back in third, while Captain's Secret (Captain Al) could get no closer than fourth, a further 0.75L back.
Cap Alright, by Captain Al out of the Centenary mare Second Chance, started at generous odds of 9/1 and recorded his fourth win from 27 starts for owners Mr E Braun, Mr P S Loomes and owner breeder Mrs Veronica Foulkes.
