The featured analysis for this weekend is the G1 Cape Guineas to be run over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday. Off time is 15h55 and it is carded as Race 7.

As usual in our deep dive, each horse receives a pro/con profile with their career best speed score listed. Finally, letter “grades” are awarded, and the horses are “grouped” according to their chances of winning.

ONE STRIPE – s/s 108; was even money favourite after winning four of six starts in some style, but has shortened in early trade down to 8/10; should get the run of the race and brings arguably the best form into the contest; trainer Marshall has an excellent record in the Guineas; he says, “my horse is well, now he just needs some luck.”

GREAT PLAINS – s/s 105; has flashed some supa-quick closing sectionals; impressive in the Cape Classic; mixes his form but at best is an appealing each way prospect at around 10/1.

ON MY HONOUR – s/s 99; earned this fig on the Polytrack in PE; needs to do even better on the green stuff to have a chance; 30/1 outsider,

HEATHER’S BOY – s/s 103; trainer Mike de Kock will have this handsome horse primed to run huge; hard to assess on his three wins from three starts as he can conceivably run even higher figs than the 103 earned to date; second favourite at around 3’s; merits serious respect on the conditioning/connection factor.

BJORN IRONSIDE – s/s 102; tame last start when not a factor behind Snow Pilot. Managed 102 at his penultimate which is a better indication of where he stacks up; 30/1 longshot.

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN – s/s 104; Langerman winner during the Winter, producing a powerful finish to dismiss All out for Six; stayed on about as well as One Stripe in the Cape Classic and will be fitter now; Contender at 6’s.

O’TENIKWA – s/s 97; stretches out after sprinting nicely; must boost his figures.

BOUNDLESS ENERGY – s/s 103; comes in fresh as a talented youngster with similar ability to Great Plains; that gives him a shake at hitting the board. Considered each way at 16/1.

SAIL THE SEAS – s/s 102; has only seen off weaker rivals; his figure at his last start win puts him in the mix, however; is not one to throw out completely despite being near the bottom of the boards.

ALL OUT FOR SIX – s/s 102; probable pacesetter who will try get over from a wide gate and lead; very game; has been out finished a few times by several of these opponents though, and a similar fate awaits this 9/1 shot.

GRADES:

A = 1 B = 2 4 6 8 C = 9 10.