Some of South Africa’s top sprinters are set to line up for a battle royal when they clash in the Gr2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m at Kenilworth this Saturday.

Sean Tarry, who saddled Legal Eagle (Greys Inn) to victory in last Saturday’s Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, once again looks to have a big contender in a major Cape feature. This time, Tarry will be represented by the top class sprinter Trip To Heaven (Trippi) –who actually downed Legal Eagle over 1160m two starts back.

Trip To Heaven, who is notoriously a bad starter, made it two in a row when comfortably landing the Gr2
On that occasion, Trip To Heaven was receiving 2.5kgs from third place finisher Talktothestars (Overlord). The latter is now 1.5kgs better off and should go close here.

Brilliant sprinter Red Ray (Western Winter) is officially rated just 1lb inferior to Talktothestars –but did beat the latter comfortably (albeit Talktothestars did have a shocking draw) when they clashed in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint last season. He is having his first start since his win in that July race but would be a massive runner if fit and ready.

Trainer Brett Crawford saddles two runners here in a bid for yet more feature race glory. Stable jockey Corne Orffer rides recent Gr2 World Sports Betting Cape Merchants winner Search Party (Captain Al) while Greg Cheyne (who has enjoyed considerable success for the Crawford yard of late) rides last season’s Gr1 Betting World Cape Flying Championship winner Gulf Storm (Sail From Seattle).

Search Party appears the pick of the two but has a stiff task at the weights and meets the likes of Captain Alfredo (Captain Al) and Victorious Jay (Jay Peg) considerably worse off from their last meeting. His stable mate looks held by the likes of Red Ray on the Mercury Sprint –although he does have race fitness on his side. Was well beaten by Tevez (Caesour) last time out –but did not enjoy the best of luck in running on that occasion.

The seven-year-old Tevez bounced back to winning ways last time out when landing the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1100m but does meet considerably stronger opposition here.

The very fast Captain Alfredo must have a chance on his run in the Merchants –even if he does appear to have ground to find with Red Ray, should the latter be at his best. Victorious Jay was another who put up a good effort when beaten by Search Party (receiving lumps of weight) last time out and prior to that put up a smart effort when second to Silicone Valley(Jay Peg) over 1200m. The latter put up a decent effort when fifth to champion Legal Eagle in last weekend’s LQP.

In contrast, Victorious Jay’s stable mate Exelero (Western Winter) looks to be in the deep end here judged on his current form.

Andre Nel sends out La Favourari (Querari) who was beaten (when receiving 8.5kgs!) under two lengths by Tevez last time out but now is massively worse off with that runner –impossible to fancy on that form.

Line Break (Dynasty) is hard to fancy on current form, while the likes of Brilliant Crimson (Trippi) and Purple Mountains (Var) seem outclassed.