See It Again has become a riddle wrapped in a mystery within South African racing circles. A horse with undeniable talent, he has delivered moments of brilliance but has often left his fans wanting more.

He announced himself as a potential superstar when he thrashed Charles Dickens in the Green Point Stakes over a mile. However, the promise quickly faded when Charles Dickens turned the tables in the King's Plate under level weights. The heartbreak continued in the Cape Met, where See It Again, heavily favored to win, could only manage a fourth-place finish.

His foray into KwaZulu-Natal racing brought more frustration. A seasonal debut defeat to Dave The King in the Gold Challenge, followed by a fifth-place finish in the Durban July, left his supporters questioning his ability to deliver on the big stage. While there was some interference in the Durban July, it was clear he wasn’t going to win. Another loss to Dave The King in the Gr1 Champions Cup, a Pinnacle prep win, and a gallant but losing effort in the Summer Cup have painted a picture of a horse that’s always there but not quite at the top.

To his credit, See It Again has been remarkably consistent. His defeats in the Cape Met and beyond have rarely exceeded three lengths, showing his competitiveness at the highest level. Yet, the glaring gap in his résumé is undeniable—he hasn’t clinched the marquee wins that would cement his place among South Africa’s greats.

The Strydom Factor

Legendary jockey Piere Strydom has been See It Again’s partner in all these big moments, and the blame for the horse’s near-misses has often unfairly fallen on him. Strydom’s pedigree and experience are beyond question, but the weight of expectations surrounding See It Again has turned him into a lightning rod for criticism.

Now, due to an unfortunate fall at the Vaal, Strydom is sidelined for the King’s Plate, and the reins have been handed to Rachel Venniker—a young, talented jockey making waves in the South African racing scene.

A Bold Move or a Gamble?

The decision to put Rachel on See It Again has been met with largely positive reactions. On one hand, Venniker’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric, and her calm demeanor and tactical acumen have earned her respect across the board. On the other hand, replacing a Hall of Famer like Strydom with a relatively inexperienced rider for such a high-pressure assignment raises questions. She has raced in only a handful of Grade 1 events to date. It's a different game in that ratified atmosphere. 

Will her fresh perspective and lighter touch be the key to unlocking See It Again’s potential? Or will the weight of the occasion prove too much for the young jockey and her enigmatic mount?

What Lies Ahead?

The King’s Plate is now not just a race but a fascinating subplot. Rachel Venniker versus the doubters. See It Again versus his own reputation. It’s a story of redemption, opportunity, and the pursuit of greatness.

If Venniker manages to guide See It Again to victory, it will be a defining moment—not just for her career but for the horse’s legacy. A win could silence critics and prove that sometimes a fresh approach can make all the difference.

As the gates open, the racing world will hold its breath. Can Rachel perform a miracle? Or will See It Again’s narrative of near-misses continue? Either way, all eyes will be on this fascinating duo.

The King's Plate is a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' race as is the Paddock Stakes. The winner gets an automatic invite to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar later this year. 

 Image of a poster of Rachel Venniker at the Saudi Cup earlier last year