As has become customary on big Cape racedays Justin Snaith sends out a battalion of runners on Saturday. Pride of place of course goes to Grade 1 World Sports Betting (WSB) Fillies Guineas favourite Snowdance.

“She is doing very well and has come on quite a bit from her last run. Everything seems to be in her favour including the draw this time and I have no worries about her getting the mile. A top, top filly.”

He also expects a big effort from Oh Susanna in the same race. “She was most unlucky last time – raced five wide at the back. If Grant van Niekerk can overcome her bad draw she will be involved in the finish.’’

No less than four Snaith inmates line up in the Grade 2 WSB Merchants over 1200m. Sergeant Hardy was a weak 5-1 favourite at the time of writing. “He is very well, but the outside draw is against him. He tends to hang to the outside, but has the pace to get over to the middle of the track, and will run well.’’

On Bishop’s Bounty – “he ran away with Richard Fourie last time and was very disappointing. The idea is to cover him up this time and he should run a far better race.’’

Heartland seems to be quietly fancied by the yard. “He has had a good prep, and with 52.5kg is a big runner and should be in the money.’’

Last but by no means least is Cuban Emerald. “He has been prepped specifically for this race, and we have made sure he comes in with bottom weight. He must be included in all permutations’,’ insists Snaith.

In the Grade 2 WSB Green Point Stakes rank outsider Copper Force takes his chances.

“He has shown glimpses of real class, such as when second to William Longsword. He is hugely consistent and could upset,’’ is the verdict on this one.

For those wondering about the absence of African Night Sky Snaith explains “he was never going to run here. The plan was to run him in the Listed Jet Master Stakes on the same day as the Cape Guineas, but the operator on 7 November moved that race to February, which we are most unhappy about. We are going to gallop him at the course on 18 December, along with Elusive Silva, who tweaked a tendon before the July.’’

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