Sun Met draws announced

3 minute read

The draws for South Africa's richest Grade 1 race, the R5m Sun Met (2000m) at Kenilworth on January 28th, were completed on Thursday after the horses galloped publicly on the course.

Most of the unwanted wide berths were taken by outsiders. Dean Kannemeyer, still looking for his first Met win, fared particularly badly with Cape Speed drawing widest of all at No 15 and Mambo Mime only two places better.

Hassen Adams, owner of Mac de Lago (AUS), recalled that his 2011 winner Past Master started from gate No 15 and his horse in this year’s Met fared only marginally better at No 14.

The one who really benefitted was Marinaresco who was drawn wide when second in the Durban July last year and when disappointing in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. Grant van Niekerk picked pen No 2.

“I’m glad Mr Shirtliff is not doing the draw because he only gets bad ones”, the jockey joked.

The Conglomerate (AUS), whose long run of bad draws included the July which he won, the Summer Cup and the Queen’s Plate, fared much better this time, drawing at No 7. He also worked well when he went with stable companion Macduff (Donovan Dillon).

The Conglomerate was ridden by retired jockey Jannie Bekker, who got off and announced: “If Frankie Dettori decides he doesn’t want the horse I will be happy to take the ride!”

For once the gallops took place in a light drizzle, ideal for the horses but not for the sizeable crowd of onlookers, and Legal Eagle (Anton Marcus) was the first to work alongside French Navy (Weichong Marwing). They were not asked to do that much – and with the big race only nine days away nor were most of the others – but Marcus expressed himself satisfied with the favourite.

“That was more for the well-being of the public but Legal Eagle is in a good place,” said the four-time champion.

Marwing, who won this race on legendary Horse Chestnut in 1999, was every bit as pleased with French Navy and said: “French Navy is not the most impressive worker but I was happy with him. He has definitely come on since the Queen’s Plate and he will be better over the Met trip. I think he can finish in the money.”

Marinaresco impressed when worked over 1600m with stable companion Horizon (Belinda Haytread) and Van Niekerk said: “I was pleased with him. It was a good gallop and he is doing very well.”

Heavily backed Whisky Baron (AUS) worked on his own over 1400m and rider Greg Cheyne said: “All good – I couldn’t be happier with that. He is maintaining his form beautifully.”

Bela-Bela (Anthony Delpech) was the other runner high up in the betting to go well, working on her own over 1600m with her tongue lolling out. “That was a proper gallop and she was very impressive,”said Justin Snaith.

Gold Standard did not gallop after being jarred up on firm ground when worked at Kenilworth 10 days ago. “I will have him fit and fresh on raceday,” vowed Glen Kotzen.

The field for the R5-million Sun Met celebrated with Mumm (Grade 1) over 2000m in order of saddlecloth number, draw, horse, trainer, jockey, weight and merit rating: