The Cape Summer Festival of Racing gets underway at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, bringing top names such as Double Grand Slam, Tenango, Snow Pilot and Good For You back into action. The Grade 2 Race Coast Cape Punters Cup headlines the day and shapes as an important stepping stone toward the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas on 13 December, with this year’s crop looking far more open than in recent seasons.
Justin Snaith sends out two major contenders in Happy Verse and Randolph Hearst, both still improving. Happy Verse, a three-time winner from four starts, returns from a short break but impressed in a recent public gallop. His only defeat came in the Langerman under unusual circumstances, and he now looks stronger and more mature. Drawn wide, he will rely on his adaptability, with Aldo Domeyer aboard.
Randolph Hearst, who beat Happy Verse in the Langerman, ran well in the Grade 3 Cape Classic and should appreciate the switch back to the summer course. He too must overcome a wide draw but remains a serious winning chance.
Fox On The Run enters the “could be anything” category after a sharp late win at Durbanville, while Good For You, already a Grade 1 winner, must prove he stays the trip. Better Man steps up in grade hunting a hat-trick and could be a Derby prospect.
The day also features the season’s first 2-year-old race, the Futurity Plate, where market support will guide. The Summer Bowl sees the return of top mares Double Grand Slam and Rainbow Lorikeet, while the Listed Sophomore Sprint should suit the progressive All The Rage.
Sprinter Tenango makes his seasonal debut in the Bantry Bay Stakes and could emerge as a national sprint star. Other notable runners include Sail The Seas, Snow Pilot, Theleia, Umfula, and Carriacou, while Touched By Angels looks capable of following up his maiden win to end the day on a high note.
