Somehow, Captains Alliance is a one-time winner, despite teasing his connections that another victory is around the corner. He has kept them waiting since June 2025, but every other factor favours him in race 7 over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday.
His consistency and near misses make it difficult for the handicapper to drop his rating. He has finished second in his last two starts and meets both horses who beat him. He was 0,5 lengths behind Bourbon King over this course and distance and is now 2kg better off. He was also 1,75 lengths behind Diamond Rock last time and is 2,5kg better off. He beat Yamazaki and Captain’s Ransom in both races. Sean Veale rides for Vaughan Marshall, with both jockey and trainer among the recent winners.
Signor Dante deserves respect on foreign form. James Crawford returns with runners for the first time since 22 August, and Signor Dante has shown solid form. He finished third behind subsequent winner Miami Summer last time, with Callan Murray aboard. Bourbon King and Diamond Rock are place-money contenders, but both may need Captains Alliance to underperform.
Captain’s Elect could prove hard to beat in race 1 over 1250m. Drawn No 1, she has Muzi Yeni aboard for Andre Nel. After a fair debut fifth behind World Of Secrets, she improved to finish second, 1,5 lengths behind Red Flag over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
African Kingfisher, racing in race 2 over 1250m, comes from the Red Flag formline after finishing fifth on debut. Trainer Justin Snaith has spoken positively about the imported daughter of Kingman, and she has scope for improvement. Keagan de Melo rides.
Race 3 looks stronger. Gimmethejackhammer showed plenty on debut when fifth behind Ulez Camera despite racing without cover from draw No 10. He should improve with experience and could pay to follow. Time Of Our Lives, drawn No 11, has finished second in both starts and is the main danger.
Big City Roller has also finished second twice and gets another chance in race 4 over 1250m. His turn of foot is encouraging, although inexperience may have cost him. Craig Zackey rides for Dean Kannemeyer.
Final Call, partnered by apprentice Sifiso Bungane in race 5, appears to have found consistency and faces a relatively shallow field.
Boozy Suzie returns in race 6 over 1600m after winning over the same course and distance last time. She beat Amayah by a length and is now 1,5kg worse off, but may have won more comfortably than the margin suggests. Veale rides.
In race 8, Balzi Rossi looks overdue after showing renewed form. He has won only once in 15 starts but has hinted that another victory is close. Kabelo Matsunyane rides for Marshall. Scottish Links, Prince Of Tibet, Devil A Saint, Meet The King and Havoc also warrant respect.
