The Real Prince Rules In King's Plate
Monday, 12 January 2026The Real Prince s/s 108 snuck home to win the King’s Plate in a thriller over Questioning s/s 108 and a stiff, See It Again s/s 107.
Dave the King ensured a strong gallop – none of the horses immediately chasing him (Legal Counsel and Jan van Goyen) could keep going. Instead, it was Sail the Seas s/s 107 who moved into contention from fourth position with The Real Prince and Questioning making moves from further back in midfield.
They fought out a nip and tuck decision with fastest finisher, See It Again jinking through past tiring horses then switching out and so nearly pulling off a miraculous win. He appears rejuvenated and is a big runner for the Met.
The Real Prince is a testimony to Dean Kannemeyer’s conditioning skills. In need of the run on comeback at the Green Point Stakes, Kannemeyer worked on his charge’s fitness and a sharp 800m sprint up in the build up to the King’s Plate neatly rounded off preparations so that The Real Prince could handle the rigors of a fast run G1 mile.
Wish List s/s 105 took out a hard run, Paddock Stakes, the test of stamina playing to her strengths. She was ridden bravely by Andrew Fortune to sneak down the rail and edge the very game Reet Petite s/s 105 (another serious 3YO talent for the notebook) and Rainbow Lorikeet s/s 104.
Dean Smith, who has taken over after the sad passing of his father, Gavin, pulled off an exceptional G1 victory with Eastern Cape sprinter, Kingdundee s/s 105. He went start to finish in the Cape Flying Champs and though I am Giant and Outlaw King tried to cut into his lead, he kept to his task under an assertive, finely judged ride by Calvin Habib at a starting price of s/s 33/1.
Gimme What I Want s/s 98 ++ is a sprinting filly with a bright future. She stormed through down the inner, (that man Fortune again working his wizardry) to mug long time leader, Quickstepgal on the post in the Sceptre Stakes.
Oisin Murphy dictated terms on Okavango s/s 99 in a slow run Premier’s Trophy and never looked in any danger after strolling to a comfortable lead, then quickening up to score.
Third placed, Regulation did not get the race run to suit. He would have preferred a stronger pace and being held up in a pocket down much of the straight was also no help. He is worth another chance when things set up better.
The juvenile Champagne Castle s/s 99 really impressed in the opener. A number that high is rare for 2YO’s so she should be followed till beaten.
***Ready to turn insight into action?
Interbet has been part of South African racing for over 25 years, starting out as a dedicated racing platform and growing into one of Mzansi’s most trusted online betting sites.
Check out the latest odds, explore upcoming races, or try out the New Interbet Exchange with 0% commission and odds set by fellow punters. Bet on racing with Interbet.
