Corne Spies vs the rest

This is the case once again today but it could be a case of the two Corne Spies-trained runners versus the rest. Clearly both Paulus and Nomvula have the best proven form on show.

It is worth noting jockey Andrew Fortune has been booked for the gelding Paulus. Drawn in pole position could give Paulus the run of the race and he belied huge odds when a promising fourth to

King’s Knight at Greyville last time out.

This good run followed a very disappointing run over this course and distance behind stable companion Defender Of Peace this month. Paulus has won at this track before so the bad run cannot be a case of not liking the track.

It is, however, the filly Nomvula who is preferred as it can be argued that her third place finish behind the classy Entisaar at Turffontein in March is the best piece of form on paper in this race.

One does have to believe her last two runs were not her form and her rider, Ryan Munger, will need to be extremely positive from a horror draw of stall No 13. Nomvula did, however, win the only time she raced at this course.

There are a number of other runners who have to be considered as having a winning chance.

Dr Finley was less than a length behind Paulus when they last met and has done much less travelling. Unfortunately he is unproven on this surface.

That is not the case with Bizzy Peg and Lady Oracy. These two fillies are proven on the surface but may not quite be as good as Nomvula, Paulus or Dr Finley.

Major Hill is lightly raced and did beat subsequent winner Galaxy King over this distance at Kenilworth so clearly has ability.