Gimmie Rules’ effort in the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas was better than it looks on paper. Thrown into top company after impressing in strong handicaps, the Kannemeyer-trained colt may have found the jump in class and timing a touch premature. He now drops to race 7 over 1500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, a more suitable assignment to gauge his true standing.
Entries in both the L’Ormarins Kings Plate and the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met hint at a long-term plan rather than immediate pressure. His Guineas fourth, 3,35 lengths behind Jan Van Goyen, came against elite opposition, and jockey Craig Zackey suggested he was still “a bit thick in the wind”. With that run under his belt, improvement is expected.
Captain West remains a frustrating but dangerous rival. His latest run over this course and distance was encouraging after he was forced to make the running, finishing less than a length behind Ardabil. A 2kg swing in the weights should see him closer this time. Kinda Wonderful also deserves respect after a solid Summer Bowl effort behind Double Grand Slam and now carries a workable 55,5kg.
Earlier on the card, Treetops can improve on a promising debut in race 1, while Whirlwind looks hard to beat in race 2 after a smooth return victory. Sugar Daddy and Mercenary shape as the key players in race 3, with the form likely to be tested again later.
Race 4 over 2000m brings Frequent Traveller into focus after a career-best effort from a wide draw, while Fast And Free looks a stayer in the making in race 5 following an authoritative maiden win.
Blind Date may be ready to strike in race 6 after facing progressive rivals, and Supreme Fate has every chance of following up in race 8. The finale is wide open, but True Horizon appeals after two narrow defeats over course and distance.
