Rushing Lark for Guineas Plate

This Gavin Smith-trained runner is only a one-time winner but he is the best handicapped runner in the field. His last four runs have all been in feature races and he was placed in the last two.

He made his comeback as a three-year-old when contesting the Listed Racing Association Stakes over this course and distance. It was a particularly strong field and he did well to finish a five-length third behind Light The Lights, who had been bussed in from Cape Town. Light The Lights had finished a 1.25-length fifth behind Juvenile Colt Of The Year Harry’s Son from a wide draw so the performance of Rushing Lark was noteworthy.

The three-year-old gelding meets nothing of that ability in this event and should prove too good for some mediocre opposition.

The Beat looks best of the rest. Justin Snaith trains this son of Mogok who started his career in the Eastern Cape. He won his maiden three runs back on the Polytrack over 1200m and has followed up with two decent efforts on the turf.

Two runs back he stayed on to finish a one-length second behind Black Beluga over 1400m and last time finished a 1.25-length second to Blast over 1200m. There has to be a question mark as to whether he sees out 1600m but he is well drawn at No 3 and has the services of Richard Fourie.

Shine Like A Star is the only two-time winner in the field but his recent form has not been great. He was beaten 8.50 lengths by Rushing Lark last time and is now 2kg worse off. That was his second race after a layoff so there could be some degree of improvement but it is unlikely it will be enough to turn the tables on Rushing Lark.

Snaith also saddles Kent Rock and Picture Book who are very close together based on their run in July but neither looks good enough to win.