Bass runner to sail home in Cape

Sail For Gold has been taking on some tough opposition in his last two races and the four-year-old gelding will appreciate a drop in class when he runs in Race 5 at Kenilworth today, a MR 94 Handicap over 1600m.

His last two starts were in the Grade 3 Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Durbanville and then he took on some of the best in the land in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes over 1600m on the old course. In the Matchem Stakes the Mike Bass-trained runner finished fifth, just 3.65 lengths behind Act Of War.

If one considers that ahead of him were Heartland, Charles Litton and Line Break while Alpha Pegasi was behind him, it was a very decent run.

In the Green Point Stakes Sail For Gold took on Captain America, Futura, Act Of War and Paterfamilias, and to finish just 5.90 lengths behind Captain America at weight-for-age terms, was a decent feat.

In tomorrow’s event the average merit rating is just 88, well below the average of the last two events and Sail For Gold looks ready to notch up the fourth win of his career. Grant van Niekerk, who is in outstanding form at the moment, takes the ride.

If one looks to beat him it is anyone’s guess who will have the ability to do that but perhaps second best can be Arachne from the Adam Marcus yard.

The race also sees the return to racing of Solid Speed who started favourite for the Gold Cup after a wonderful Durban season.  He failed in the big race, however, and this will be his first start in 150 days.