Trainers confident ahead of J&B Met

Trainer Brett Crawford, who has the public fancy Jackson engaged, expressed confidence in his charge.

“He has come through his preparation in good style and is a fit horse,” Crawford said on Monday.

“His second in the recent Queen’s Plate over 1600 metres was a good performance and his two best victories have been over longer distances.

“Jackson’s wide draw is of some concern but could prove an advantage. I expect him to run a great race.”

Dean Kannemeyer who trains Capetown Noir felt his colt could stand up to the challenge after winning the Queen’s Plate a fortnight ago.

“He won the Guineas, the Queen’s Plate and the Cape Derby, which was over the Met distance of 2 000 metres. That form is outstanding,” Kannemeyer said.

“He is a fit horse and he should run a big race.”

Durban trainer Dennis Drier, who has had an outstanding run of success in the Cape thus far, held a strong hand with six-time winner Master Of My Fate.

“I am very happy with him. He has done everything I have wanted him to do. I am sure he will give his punters a great run for their money,” Drier said.

Joey Ramsden said King Of Pain had a rough passage when just out of the placings in the Queens Plate and made him his best bet of the day.

Rand trainer Geoff Woodruff was pleased with the work of Summer Cup winner Yorker, runner-up Master Sabina and Durban July third Do You Remember.

Last year’s Met produced a shock winner in Martial Eagle, a 78-1 outsider. The race has a history of providing surprise results but Saturday’s race looked as likely to rest among the shorter-priced runners.

– Sapa