The first Grade 1 of the Cape Town season takes place at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this Saturday: the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas. It’s a diverse field, but the standout is Golden Palm — the only Grade 1 winner in the lineup and last season’s Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Trained by Alan Greeff, she has already proven her ability across the country, with major wins in Johannesburg, Gqeberha, and most notably the Grade 1 Douglas Whyte Stakes in Durban.
Golden Palm has had a solid prep, demolishing All Systems Go in an October gallop, a performance boosted when that rival placed in the Grade 2 Dingaans last weekend. Keagan de Melo takes the ride.
Keukenhof is a strong challenger after finishing third in the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship. Despite a wide draw, she looks suited to the extra 200m. Reet Petite, unbeaten in her last three, steps up to Grade 1 level and continues to progress under Richard Fourie. Quickstepgal could be the surprise package, improving nicely after a good Cape Town introduction.
Saturday’s card also features two more major races. In Race 5, the Listed Cape Summer Stayers Handicap (2500m), Ahead Of The Facts looks well-weighted to follow up his Woolavington win, though Congressman and seasoned stayer Triple Time warrant respect.
The Grade 3 Southern Cross Stakes (1000m) is wide open, with She’s My World appealing as she returns to sprinting after a strong Diana Stakes win. Cape travelers Green Diamond and unbeaten Direct Hit also add depth.
Among the supporting races, Give It Laldy (Race 3) and Delta Pride (Race 8) stand out as leading prospects, while lightly raced Kattekwaadkwadraad could take another step forward in Race 9. Pink Pigeon gets the narrow vote in the competitive finale.
