Grade 1 Investec Cape Derby: Act Of War to prove his class again

The son of Dynasty, ACT OF WAR, has a bright future ahead of him and is one that could be invading foreign soil in the not too distant future. His career shows six wins from seven starts and in his latest start was impressive where he easily disposed of the highly thought of HARRY'S SON, a previous Grade 1 winner. This will be his first time over 2000m, but his sire has proved himself over all distances. Trainer, Joey Ramsden, has been having an excellent Cape Town summer season. It looks likely to continue with his prized colt, ACT OF WAR. With Anton Marcus having been injured at Scottsville on Tuesday, his replacement will be none other than Piere Strydom, who has ridden him to victory before. In fact it was his win aboard ACT OF WAR in the Selangor Cup at Kenilworth on November 22, that posted the maestro's five thousandth winner of his career. This combination of horse and jockey looks set to be two form two. Expect to see ACT OF WAR finishing well again.

To assume anything in horse racing could be dangerous, but the race seems set to see who will finish second. Having just watched VERCINGETORIX win at Meydan in Dubai on Thursday it will be a brave person to bet against trainer Mike De Kock. He sends out the unbeaten ERTIJAAL. He has looked impressive in all three of his starts, but this will be his sternest test to date. Even though he looks to have ability, this type of race may have come a bit too soon for him. On the other hand, would Mike De Kock entered him for a race of such magnitude had he not thought that he had a chance? This will be his first run in Cape Town. A win this afternoon will give him at least one win at each of the three major racing centres in the country

Trainer, Joey Ramsden, has another promising sort in this race. LIQUID MERCURY has won his last four starts after an indifferent start, having been soundly beaten in his first two starts. This son of Trippi has been impressive in his last four wins and even though this will be his stiffest task to date, is not one to be ignored. He is highly thought of and the success of his sire, Trippi, has been phenomenal of late.

Stable companion, THE CONGLOMERATE, will be doing his best work late. Previously set to be partnered by Piere Strydom, his replacement has yet to be announced. He will be running on in the latter stages and his latest start and win was by far his best.

Trainer Mike Bass saddles SEVEN OCEANS. He could be out of his depth in terms of being a likely winner, but one has to respect the trainer and his stable jockey, Grant Van Niekerk, especially on major race days. He may not be able to win this race but he could very well earn something.

1st - ACT OF WAR (1); 2nd - ERTIJAAL (4); 3rd - LIQUID MERCURY (5); 4th - THE CONGLOMERATE (3); 5th - SEVEN OCEANS (9)