POINSETTIA STAKES (Grade 3) - CUVEE BRUT  has top class form

5-1-9-7-6

Brett Crawford has brought a top string from Cape Town for the Winter Season. His five year old filly CUVEE BRUT  easily won the Prix du Cap at Kenilworth last time. But was did catch the eye was her short head second to CARRY ON ALICE at Kenilworth in December. We all know how well CARRY ON ALICE won yesterday at Turffontein when beating the males in the Computaform Sprint over 1000m. That was ever so impressive. That puts CUVEE BRUT in with a great chance this afternoon.

Cape Town trainer, Mike Bass, looks to have brought a top class string for the season and he could have a big say in most of the feature races on offer. He could be spot on with LANNER FALCON who was not disgraced behind stable companion, INARA, in Cape Town last time. Yesterday in the Premier's Champions Challenge, INARA did not show over a distance too far for her. Will be in the shake up. Grant Van Niekerk has partnered her to all eight of her wins. She will be doing her best work late.

Dean Kannemeyer is having an excellent time in KZN since setting up his satellite yard in September. He sends out REAL PRINCESS who had a good Cape Town Season. He returned to KZN and was sent out at 6/10 last time but ran below her cap[ability. She returns to a track where she has won three from five. Cannot ignore her chances, especially with Anthony Delpech aboard.

PRINCESS ROYAL, from the Glen Kotzen yard won her last two at Kenilworth. She is no stranger to Scottsville and ran well here last year. She will be running on. Local trainer, Duncan Howells, can challenge the visiting trainers with COSMIC LIGHT. She was unbeaten after three before she campaigned in Cape Town during the Summer Season there. She may not have won her two races but ran a very good race behind CARRY ON ALICE where she ran less than two lengths back. Can make an impact in this race. Do not ignore. She is out at the weights with PRINCESS ROYAL on their latest runs.