A year ago Captain America was preparing to go into the Cape Guineas as favourite, having just posted a superb victory in the lucrative Lanzerac Ready To Run Stakes. That turned out to be his last win, however, as he was edged out narrowly in the Guineas and, although not disgraced in subsequent outings, found himself in the slipstream of eventual Horse of the Year Legislate. There's nothing wrong with finishing placed in all of the Cape Derby, KRA Guineas and Daily News 2000, but it still came out a shade disappointing given the expectations that had been created earlier in the season.

Now a 4-year-old, and having been gelded, Captain America will be looking to regain the winning thread when he contests the Gr 2 Vasco Premier Trophy over 1800m at Kenilworth on Saturday. The race represents something of an acid test for trainer Brett Crawford's (pictured) charge as, on bare form, he should have the beating of this field, given his proximity to the likes of Legislate and Louis The King last season. He made an encouraging seasonal debut last month in the Green Point Stakes last month, making the early running before fading late into fourth behind (yet again) Legislate. That was his first run following a break of nearly five months and he should have come for the run. If he can replicate his classic form of last season, he should go close here.

Helderberg Blue could prove to be the main threat. He was fancied to make an impression in classic company last season but failed to live up to his reputation. He's looked a different horse this season, however, having posted two wins and gelding seems to have done the trick.

Power King came close to landing the Winter Triple Crown last season, only being run out of it late in the final leg, the Winter Derby. He's been beaten twice by Helderberg Blue this season, but is clearly being aimed at bigger things and there should not be much between these two rivals again. Power King possesses a serious turn of foot and, at his very best, has strong winning claims here.

Dynamic is arguably the most interesting runner in the race. He gave Capetown Noir a fright in the ape Derby two seasons ago - a run that seemed to come out of nowhere and then spent over 18 months off the rack before returning to post two victories in a row - not bad for a horse who had been absent from the track for such a long period. He obviously has lost time to make up for and he showed enough as a 3-year-old to suggest he can be a serious threat here.

Punta Arenas, despite enduring a string of dreadful draws, has managed to run really well in such big events as the J & B Met, Vodacom Durban July.and Champions Cup. His proximity to the likes of Legislate and Futura in those races means that he certainly cannot be ignored here. His last effort, in the Green Point Stakes, was well below par, but he was returning from a break and entitled to need the run. He is due a feature win of his own but he seems to be one of those horses who is always on the premises but can't quite get his head in front when it matters. He may have to settle for the placings again.

Paterfamilias was third in this race last year but has not been seen out since. He clearly has the ability to be in the frame at the business end of proceedings but his current wellbeing, after such a long break, can only be confirmed in the race itself.

Gold Onyx looked rejuvenated at the end of last season, finishing third in both the Gold Cup and the "2200" on July day. He shaped well enough on his seasonal debut when third in a Pinnacle event, so his current wellbeing does not seem to be too much of a problem. He seems to be at his best at Greyville, but cannot be discounted here.

Arion has a chance if he can reproduce the form that saw him run third in last season's Cape Derby. He was then off the track for seven months and while his two runs since returning have not been too flash, he should be cherry-ripe now and may be worth including in the larger quartets.

Johnny Rockets and True Master complete the line-up and are currently in form but they both need to step up their game slightly in this class. It's not unthinkable, however, that either of the could take a hand in the finish.

It's a race where literally every runner has a plausible chance of making an impact. Captain America's last run was really encouraging and hinted at better things to come. He's let down his supporters a few times now but may be worth another chance here. Power King and Helderberg Blue are taken to give him the most to think about, with Dynamic next best.

Earlier in the day, a similarly competitive field lines up in the Gr 3 Victress Stakes for fillies and mares over 1800m. Trainer Justin Snaith holds a strong hand with his trio of Jet Supreme, Acrostar and Star Jet, all of whom have sound chances while Shingwedzi came to hand nicely at the end of last season and made an encouraging return after four months when third to Acrostar in a conditions event over 1600m. She'll prefer the extra here and looks a big runner.

Indaba has won three in a row and although taking a big step up in class, is relatively unexposed with just four runs under her belt. She won't find it easy here, but could well prove equal to the task.

Red Flame is lightly raced and showed genuine promise last season. She made a startling return after a five-month break when winning over 1200m - not bad for a filly who has already won over 1800m. She looks best of the rest.