Recent Gr3 Cup Trial runner up Crowd Pleaser (Captain Al) looks a big runner here and the talented 3yo can boost the formlines of a number of July contenders with a bold showing in this R500 000 contest. He does, however, try the 2200m for a first time and is taking on a competitive looking field.

 

Fellow 3yo Zodiac Ruler (Zoffany) is another who should run well here, on his runner up finish in the Gr1 Investec Cape Derby and was not striding out last time when seventh in the Gr1 Daily News 2000. He won the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe at this course 12 months ago and must be a massive runner on best form.

 

 

The ever consistent My World (Ideal World) is best known for his efforts over longer but put up a smart effort when fourth, beaten 2.25 lengths, to July hope Elusive Silva (Silvano) in the Listed Sledgehammer over 1800m and would be a danger if repeating that effort.

 

Another smart performer with good form over further is Royal Badge (Go Deputy), who was beaten 3 lengths into fifth in the Gr3 Cup Trial (over 1800m) last time out and he is sure to enjoy the 400m extra he gets in Saturday’s race.

 

Listed Derby Trial winner Bankable Teddy (Bankable) made a return to better form when second (at 25-1) in the Gr3 Jubilee Handicap last time out, beating fellow Betting World 2200 starter Hidden Agenda (Brave Tin Soldier) by a neck. Hidden Agenda is now 0.5ks better off which should see him beat Bankable Teddy this time.

 

Top weight No Worries (Kahal) has to concede from 2 to 6kgs to his rivals and makes just his second run after a layoff here, while the slow starting Trophy Wife (Tiger Ridge) would be a runner here if not losing ground at the start.

 

Go Direct (Go Deputy) defeated subsequent Gr1 winner Deo Juvente when lifting a pinnacle stakes three starts back but was well beaten in both the Gr2 Betting World 1900 and Gr3 Cup Trial, while The Centenary (Mastercraftsman) has been well held, against fillies and mares, recently and needs to improve in open company.