Grade 2 Urban Honey Stayers: Gothic to win but a close call

GOTHIC has just been edged out in his last three starts. He did find a better finish over 2500m last time and that could give him a slight advantage even though the far less consistent COLTRANE won his last two starts, the latter being over this C & D. GOTHIC has improved dramatically since moving away from Durban and shouldn't be too long in finding his way back into the number one box. He was not too far (in lengths) behind WAVIN' FLAG in the Gold Cup at Greyville and that may have a say in the outcome of this race.

COLTRANE does have an excellent late turn of foot and won both of his last two starts when making up enormous distances in the latter stages. He had not shown in his previous few runs but has certainly come good in recent times. Once again we have the Joey Ramsden and Piere Strydom combination to consider.

CURRENT EVENT dead heated with COLTRANE last time this C & D and could also be involved in the finish although CURRENT EVENT is quite a way worse off at the weights (5kg) which would be an almighty task for him to match COLTRANE again. One has to respect champion trainer Justin Snaith and top jockey Richard Fourie.

SHINGWEDZI has to come in to the reckoning with only 53½ kg to carry. In view of  her run in the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes last time, this daughter of Trippi should be a runner in this race. She may find this distance a few metres too far, even though she did place third in the Oaks over this distance at Clairwood last year.

MOUNTAIN MASTER ran on against KILLUA CASTLE at turffontein last time.She returns to Cape Town after a stint in Durban and Johannesburg, under the trainership of Mike Bass's assistant, Robert Fayd'Herbe. being back home could make a difference.

1st - GOTHIC (4); 2nd - COLTRANE (3); 3rd - CURRENT EVENT (6); 4th - SHIGWEDZI (13); 5th - MOUNTAIN MASTER (8)