1

Do It Again

Named Horse Of The Year, Justin Snaith’s charge swept all before him last season, but last year’s runner-up failed to place in his two build-up runs. Cannot be written off but with no acceptable explanation he does not look a likely winner this year, but could place.

2

Rainbow Bridge

Has had a perfect warm-up with two close thirds in the Green Point Stakes (Grade 2) and Queen’s Plate (Grade 1). Trainer Eric Sands has called for the services of Ryan Moore and this gelding is a massive runner.

3

Vardy

Adam Marcus’ charge had been a revelation this season with wins in the Green Point Stakes and Queen’s Plates, beating all of his main Met opponents. On current form he is the horse to beat and could give Basil Marcus’ son his first major win.

4

Hawwaam

Mike de Kock’s charge has been the boom horse this season but failed in the Queen’s Plate. He is a quirky horse and the long delay at the start did him no favours. He is a lot better than that and will be better over this distance. Anton Marcus takes the ride and he is a massive runner.
  

5

One World

A superb miler and an extremely honest performer, this Vaughan Marshall-trained runner has been beaten three times by Vardy and is unlikely to turn the tables over this distance. He has placed over 1800m but could find this trip a tad too far.

6

Twist Of Fate

A top-class performer who made an excellent debut for the Adam Marcus yard when fourth behind Vardy in the Queen’s Plate, beaten just 2.05 lengths. Ran second to Hawwaam over 2000m in the G1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville so does stay but stablemate Vardy preferred.

7

Head Honcho

Nearly caused a massive upset last year when leading from the off and getting clear in the straight. Was only caught close home and finished third, beaten just 0.95
lengths. Pace master Piere Strydom rides and he could well be there if the ‘Cape crawl’ dictates the pace. 

8

Undercover Agent

Has been disappointing of late but could well run into the placings if trainer Brett Crawford can get his charge back to his best form. On recent form he will be hard pressed to turn the tables on the top horses.

9

Bunker Hunt

Justin Snaith’s second runner and if one is looking for a good outsider, this horse could well be the answer. Last time out he ran a 2.25-length second behind Hawwaam in the Grade 2 Premier Trophy and although 4lb worse off, he has the ability to run into the places. 

10

Eyes Wide Open

Winner of the Cape Derby (Grade 1) over this course and distance two years ago and has the ability to be competitive in this line up if he can produce his best form. He will be fitted with blinkers and jumps from No 1 draw but will need some luck if he is to place.

11

Pack Leader

Had a big reputation as a three-year-old but only flattered to deceive. He looks totally outclassed and is unlikely to feature against this sort of field.

12

Roy Had Enough

Not a bad performer at a lower level but cannot be seen as any sort of threat to the top horses. Looks well held by a number of runners.

13

Majestic Mozart

A one-time winner who is badly out at the weights and is well held on form by a number of runners. 

14

More Magic

This gelding is well out of his depth and appears to have no chance whatsoever. He is badly out at the weights and has to prove he will see out 2000m.