The Grade 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1200m has a terrific roll of honour with some great names attached to the race. Flobayou-trained by Eric Sands in the 1990’s is the most prolific with three wins to his name. The 2023 winner Cosmic Highway is back to defend his crown but it could pay to follow the hugely underrated Meu Capitano on the back of hitting the crossbar lately.
The conditions of the World Sports Betting Bantry Bay Stakes over 1100m states that only the winner would incur a penalty from the handicapper. Meu Capitano ran a short head second behind the 122-rated Ziyasha in receipt of 6kg. Had the race been run at true handicap terms it would have been 9kg. So he ran comfortably above his rating not for the first time. In June he beat Questioning by 1,5 lengths and he could only receive six points beating a horse rated north of 120. He was only 98 in June. So it is plain to see that he comes into this Grade 2 well-placed by trainer Piet Steyn. Chase Maujean is a rare visitor to Cape Town and he has been booked to ride. With only 53kg on his back, Meu Capitano now needs to deliver and show that he is in this class.
King Of The Gauls is the choice of Richard Fourie. He had a few options to think about for the Merchants. He has galloped at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth twice since arriving from Durban nearly a month ago. He has a target for the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship in late January so there could be some meat on the bone but he is a classy horse and he warrants respect. He was last seen on Gold Cup Day in late July when he won the HKJC Umgeni Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville over 1000m. The same race that made Isivunguvungu known.
For the first time in a while, Future Variety could be in the right race. He showed his worth by finishing close-up behind Thunderstruck in the Grade 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over this course and distance in February. The better the opposition, the better he seems to run. Respect him under Raymond Danielson.
Cosmic Highway, Outlaw King and Café Culture are all horses to include in wider perms. They are all feature race winners but whether they will be at their best remains to be seen.
Phil The Fluter is held in high regard and he has come to hand. He has his best chance of winning in race 1 over 1200m. Richard Fourie is carded to take the ride. He finished third in his last two runs, once behind Elizabedi Gold and the other with Rafa Bay ahead. The first-timers are a concern so check the market on some well-bred newcomers like Imokelly and War Reporter. There could also be some improvement from Master Bomber, Kaisarissa and Bel Canto Dream.
Ocotillo is out of Grade 1-winning mare Camphoratus. She runs in race 2 over 1200m under Siphesihle Hlengwa for Eric Sands. Her debut was exciting as he stayed on well to be 0,5 lengths behind Champagne Kisses at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. She ran a flat race at her second start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth but might not have been ready to run her best over 1400m. She should eventually get the trip but she failed to get into the race. A return to basics is evident and she should run a bold race. Catch A Penny was touted as unbeatable at her last run but ended up running a three-length third behind Back At The George. She is worth keeping in mind but the strength of that form might leave a few questions.
Ozark runs consistently and he loves Richard Fourie. He is one of the flag bearers of the Class 5 races around the turn and he could take the win in race 3 over 1600m. He disappointed at his last start but that run was the exception rather than the norm. He was a little too far out of his ground and he failed to get into the hunt finishing sixth behind Tothemoonandback. There might be an argument that he is best at Hollywoodbets Durbanville but he has the edge on form over a lot of his opposition.
Race 4 over 1400m is a great opportunity for a battling maiden to exit the ranks. Wehaveasituation might have found the perfect opening to give Paddy Kruyer a winner. Gareth Wright takes the ride. With 56,5kg on her back and the lack of strong opposition, makes a compelling case for a 10-start maiden. She ran against winners at her last start when finishing a 2,1-length fourth behind Senhora Victoria. She has 0,5kg less to carry now. Gareth Wright is carded to be aboard.
Victor Hugo stands out as one of the better bets on the card when he runs in race 5 over 1600m. He has improved from his first to his second start running fourth to the hugely talented Garrix on debut to second, close-up behind Cavalry Commander at his most recent. He is bred to relish the step to this distance from 1200m. He will get every assistance from the saddle under Serino Moodley.
King Pelles has developed into an honest horse to follow and he stands out in race 6 over 1600m if this distance is not too short for him. He has a hit-and-hope running style makes the longer summer course run in more within his wheelhouse. He comes from off-the-pace but if the gaps open up, he can be hard to stop. He won his penultimate start beating Daimyo who subsequently won the Listed Woolavington. That is what he is capable of. Corne Orffer is up for Gareth van Zyl.
Sweetie Darling was a good, forward two-year-old but she has seemingly not lost her spark. She faces a weaker field for the first time in what feels like centuries in race 8 over 1400m. Her rating dropped from 92 to 88 between her last run which was behind the hugely promising Roccapina. Chad Little is up for Glen Kotzen.
Race 9 over 1000m is the hardest race on the card. A chance is taken on Shipindani to come back to her best under Orffer for Andre Nel, a combination in top form.
