The Fever Tree Stakes has attracted a sole 100+ merit rated horse in the form of Captain Fontane. And while it is not a handicap, and he stands out on class, he is actually joint best weighted.
The only mare in the race, Macara, is weighted to share the spoils with Captain Fontane but she may just have the edge on one factor when they meet at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Wednesday 22 February.
That factor is distance.
Captain Fontane has shown talent in sprints and must have stamina if glancing at his pedigree. But in the two times he raced further than 1200m, he was found wanting when well-drawn in the Grade 2 Drill Hall over 1400m and prior was a one-paced fifth over 1600m in the Green Point Stakes.
There were only five runners in the Green Point which means he finished last, but it is interesting to note the horse that finished a neck ahead of him was none other than superstar Jet Dark.
That run may be flattering as Jet Dark never got close to his 130-merit rating as he was prepping for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate at the time.
Macara on the other hand has won four times over 1600m, on poly and turf, at Hollywoodbets Greyville and Scottsville and so has no doubts.
It also appears as if she will be the value proposition here as Captain Fontane and Diani, who is unbeaten in his last four, may attract all the support.
The banker bet on what is a thoroughly fascinating but mind-boggling race meeting could be Arverni King who takes his place in Race 5 in a Maiden Plate over 1800m.
He has been costly to follow but did suffer interference in his last two but still finished ahead of main dangers Space Cowboy and Gimme Gorgeous.
Most horseplayers will also have a keen eye on Race 6. It could be a watershed moment for trainer MJ Odendaal who rates El Dante so highly. The trainer, who was one of the most popular riders in South Africa in the nineties, has had many ups and downs but his bay gelding was a feast for the eyes when going down to the start last time and he came back a 6,40-length winner.
He now has to overcome the widest barrier but has log leading Keagan De Melo in the irons and many will be hoping El Dante produces another sterling performance on his way to bigger things.
There are, however, plenty of decent opponents taking him on. El Rey Viene has also been improving and he races for the Duncan Howells yard which is in hot form. Add Time Taker, Majestic Warrior and Unsolved Riddle to catch the quartet.
Clive Robinson
