With many punters enjoying taking Multiples into the Cape Met, we thought it a good idea to do the preview a week out from the big Kenilworth showdown.

It is carded as Race 8, off time 16h05 and will be run at WFA over 2000m.

The speed map indicates that a strong pace is likely. Not only is a big field (17) declared, but all of Oriental Charm, Litigation, Red Palace, Baratheon, Montien, Atticus Finch, and Magic Verse like setting the tempo or go best racing handy. That could bring stamina into play, or at least the ability to see out a true run, ten furlongs.

Each runner is profiled in card/draw order, with their best speed figure listed, followed by their current price at Interbet.

Historically, a winning par score of around 110 is needed to get the gold gong in the Met.

RED PALACE s/s 106; 14/1; she ran a game second in the Paddock Stakes where Double Grand Slams’ acceleration proved too hot to handle. She has been impressing Dean Kannemeyer with her workouts since the trainer switch. Should get a good trip racing handy and taking the shortest route on the rail. Placed in G1’s and has won up to G2 level vs fillies. Just a bit shy on the fig’s, however.

AL MUTHANA s/s 111 ex; 90/1; not much to enthuse about since another rest as he continues to run below his previous best.

ORIENTAL CHARM s/s 108; 4/1; an on-pace runner who received a perfectly judged ride to win the G1 Durban July from the front. Could be subjected to a lot of early pressure this time around and will need to hold off the cavalry down the long stretch. Should give supporters a good sight, however.

FUTURE SWING s/s 111; 15/1; just a few ticks’ improvement on his last sterling try in the Premier’s Trophy (when held tight in close quarters) puts him in the mix. He rates close to Oriental Charm on their G2 Greyville 1900 clash last term. A hard run race will help him settle and the son of Futura would appreciate an unfolding test of stamina.

ATTICUS FINCH s/s 108; 30/1; this tough- as- nails invader from the Highveld showed determination to win the G1 Summer Cup over ten panels at Turffontein, but disappointed in a dull King’s Plate prep.

LITIGATION s/s 107; 35/1; likely to race near the lead and keep on steadily as he did in the Premier’s. Needs to boost his speed scores by a few points to shape in a G1.

ROYAL AUSSIE s/s 112; 25/1; his career top was a fine run in the 1600m King’s Plate last year. However, he did not trouble the scorer in the 2024 Met and is a query over this trip.

PACAYA s/s 112; 70/1; erratic, a total enigma. Was noted staying on strongly from tailed off in the Premier’s but whether he will run purposefully to the line or fold tamely is anybody’s guess.

GREEN WITH ENVY s/s 112; 11/2; hugely talented winner of the G1 Cape Derby and Daily News in ’24. Blotted his copybook recently and trainer Kannemeyer has needed to do some remedial work to get him race- ready again. Has a great turn of foot and would be dangerous if restored to full health and lasting home in a hard run ten furlongs.

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN s/s 110; 11/4; On a line through Cape Guineas and King’s Plate hero, One Stripe could rate a speed score as high as 110 which would make him favourably handicapped as a 3YO carrying 54kg’s. Described as “a serious racehorse” by trainer Justin Snaith. Unproven over this longer route though and stretching out is not an obvious move based on breeding.

MAGIC VERSE s/s 109; 25/1; has come good this Summer, only just missed in a Premier Trophy duel with proven G1 middle distance warrior, Rascallion. In the mix.

SEE IT AGAIN s/s 114; 6/1; on his very best form a torridly run 2000m at these weight terms would set up perfectly for this high- class, Twice Over gelding. Problem is, he has not quite been running up to the outstanding figs attained earlier in his career. Hard to support with true conviction, consequently. If trainer, Michael Roberts can get him right, See It Again’s “A Game” would make him a huge threat but will the 5YO scale those heights again?

BARATHEON s/s 104; 55/1; Piet Bothás entry is in deep here. He could be a pace factor but is held safe on all known form and is not as effective away from his happy hunting ground of Durbanville.

MASTER REDOUTE s/s 107; 70/1; comes in off an unconventional prep as he has not been sighted since winning the G3 3200m Gold Cup in July. On the Greyville 1900 collateral form, stacks up favourably at the weights versus Future Swing and the likely strong pace will play to his strengths. All things considered he is unlikely to win a G1, but is probably not the worst long shot, either.

MONTIEN s/s 111; 15/1; has a beautiful long galloping stride and is extremely game. Sterling second to One Stripe in the King’s Plate from an awkward draw. Rates only marginally inferior to Rascallion, and as that one ran a close second in last year’s Met, must be a plausible candidate.

RASCALLION s/s 112; 15/1; received a masterful front-running ride from a similarly wide draw under Bernard Fayd Herbe when 2nd, overhauled late by Double Superlative in 2024. Faces more pace pressure and is drawn even wider than last year. Tremendously brave galloper who has raced at the top level throughout his career and has come back from injury to win three features from the last four races contested. Much respected.

ZAPATILLAS s/s 109; 70/1; his ratings put him in the same ballpark as Montien, who is in turn only marginally inferior to Rascallion. Is a query over the trip and the outside barrier is a hindrance. Not impossible that he places (10/1 first four could be a value play) and he could be the single race exotic tote buster, but a win seems far-fetched.

GRADES:

A = 4 9 10 16 B = 12 15 17 C = 1 3 11 14.

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