Gumbi could down the Captain

The Gavin van Zyl-trained runner was regarded as one of the better juveniles in the country with a victory in the Grade 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m at Turffontein. He then contested three successive Grade 1 races, finishing a 6.40-length fourth behind Arabian Beat over 1160m at Turffontein in the SA Nursery, a 2.50-length second behind Seventh Plain in the Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville and a 3.80-length ninth behind the same horse in the Golden Horseshoe over 1400m at Greyville.

The handicappers have assessed his performances and allotted him a merit rating of 101 but as a two-year-old receives a weight-for-age allowance of 7.5kg. Even with that concession this son of Captain Al will carry top weight of 60kg and as a result Redcarpet Captain might have to be exceptional to beat an older and more experienced field.

He does have a reasonable No 6 draw in this sprint event where the lower the number the bigger the advantage. Warren Kennedy takes the ride for the first time.

A better option could be Mark Dixon-trained Gumbi. The son of Judpot is just a few days away from turning four and has been sparingly raced. He only made his debut in February this year and was supported from 14-1 to 2-1. He was all over the place but still managed to finish a competent third, beaten six lengths by Racing For Fun.

He was well backed again in his second start and this time made no mistake, easily defeating Delicious Damowin by two lengths and followed that up with a second victory. All of these runs were over 1200m at Scottsville. His next start was over 1400m at the track in which he faded late to finish a two-length third behind the talented Saratoga Dancer.

His last start was over 1400m on the Greyville Polytrack and despite stumbling at the start and being cramped for running room, Gumbi kicked on well to run a 2.50-length sixth behind Just Ask Me.

He returns to his favourite course and distance and with 56.5kg to carry, No 5 draw and Ian Sturgeon up, looks the horse to beat.