– Cape Town On Saturday, the highly promising Dynasty gelding Top Quality will compete in the 2000-meter Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
To complete the task, he must overcome a wide draw of 10 and a potentially difficult come-from-behind trip.
Last time, Justin Snaith’s entry was quite excellent, finishing well to defeat stablemate Somerset Maugham and pacesetter Baratheon. Prior to that, he lost the Winter Derby to Winchester Mansion by less than a length despite casting a shoe.
Both of these runs occurred on soft terrain. It remains to be seen if he can adapt this level of skill to the tougher surface in Durbanville.
Regardless, he is developing into a refined middle-distance runner. Assuming he makes another step forward and beats his prior best, he appears favorably weighed in this handicap carrying only 52 kg. Muzi Yeni rides.
The eight-race Heritage Day program will conclude with a 1250-meter Graduation Plate for 3-year-olds that will feature some of the Cape’s greatest juveniles from the previous term. Charles Dickens (s/s 98 +) and Dave the King (s/s 95) will strive to maintain their undefeated records, while the ascendant Iconic Destination (s/s 92 +) offers a threat.
Le Mans is valued highly by the Bass stable; Narina Trogon won easily on her debut, and although Eric Sand’s Wecangoallnight (s/s 95) looks to be owned by Charles Dickens, he possesses solid course form and is another up-and-comer worthy of consideration.
Although it’s still early, this event should serve as a significant indicator for the future Classics. The juvenile figures of Charles Dickens were unusually robust. Since he won the Somerset 1200 four months ago, his performance on Saturday will be thoroughly analyzed to determine the nature of his physical progress.