Reigning Horse of the Year Legislate (SAF) showed that it is going to take a special horse to challenge him for his crown  as he crushed the opposition in the Gr 2 Lanzerac Le General Green Point Stakes over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday. Outsider Ashton Park was not disgraced in second as Futura (SAF) ran on from well back to snatch third from his stable companion Captain America (SAF).

Captain America won the battle for the lead, with Readytogorightnow and Punta Arenas racing handy and Legislate and Light The Lights disputing fourth place. Ashton Park was next best ahead of Jet Aglow and Afrikaburn, while Futura sat at the rear with Jet Explorer.

Captain America brought the field in for home and jockey Richard Fourie did not waste much time in getting Legislate to challenge for the lead. The latter responded smoothly and the race was over as a contest once he hit the front. Ashton Park came out of the pack to give chase and Futura made up ground wider out, but they were effectively in a different race as Legislate crossed the line 3.50 lengths clear without being unduly extended.

This was an awe-inspiring performance from Legislate. Justin Snaith's (pictured) charge was not only making his seasonal debut following a break of over four months, but had also had to recover from a hairline fracture in the interim. Some of his key rivals here will improve with the benefit of this run under their belts, but so will he, and while there is still plenty of water to flow under the bridge, he must go in as the early fancy for the Queens Plate and J & B Met.

Ashton Park had some decent form coming into the race but was taking a big step up in class and had a lot to at weight-for-age. He responded with a career-best performance and had some smart sorts behind him here.

It was no surprise to see Futura switched off early on and he made some late progress without troubling the winner. The 2000m of the Met will be more to his liking and this was a reasonable start to his summer campaign.

Captain America, like Legislate and Futura, was also having his first run since July and he was not disgraced after making the early running. He is another one who should prefer the Met trip and his connections will be encouraged by this effort.

4 b c Dynasty - Champers by Restructure (IRE)
Owners: Mr W J C Mitchell, Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) & Newbury Racing (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr D E Evans) 
Bred by Cheveley Stud
Winning trainer: Justin Snaith