The L’Ormarins King’s Plate headlines a stellar Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, with the 1600m weight-for-age contest once again drawing an elite field. Following the same path as last year’s winner One Stripe, Jan Van Goyen steps up from Cape Guineas glory and looks well placed to add a third Grade 1 to his résumé.
The three-year-old carries just 55kg and appears to have peaked at the right time. After returning from a break with a strong second in the Dingaans, he dominated the Cape Guineas over this course and distance. Staying in Cape Town since, he retains the confidence of the De Kock yard, with Callan Murray opting to stick with him over former Horse of the Year Dave The King.
Dave The King remains a major threat after a gutsy recent win despite race pressure, while Durban July hero The Real Prince should strip much fitter second-up. Eight On Eighteen makes his seasonal return under Oisin Murphy and, though likely using this as a stepping stone to the Met, champions demand respect. Gladiatorian, See It Again and Garrix add further depth to a top-class field.
The Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes sees reigning champion filly Double Grand Slam bid for a third top-level win. She was made to work hard last time but remains the one to beat, with Rainbow Lorikeet, Reet Petite and the in-form Minogue posing dangers.
Sprint honours in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship may hinge on whether Buffalo Storm Cody can reproduce his Johannesburg form at Kenilworth. Truth and Tenango both arrive off solid preps and look primed to capitalise.
Elsewhere on the card, Mia Moo stands out in the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes, Regulation chases a hat-trick in the Premier’s Trophy, and Holding Thumbs’ courage makes him hard to oppose in the Chairman’s Cup.
A fitting stage for champions — proven and emerging alike.
