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Saturday sees Cape racing moving to the country course at Durbanville for the running of the R115 000 Listed Settlers Trophy (2400m). With Kenilworth being a gentle 2800m, the 2200m oval of Durbanville is consider a tighter track where the draw can play a major role.

Top weight belongs to the Greg Ennion trained four-year old Mystic Moon. The Victory Moon gelding won his last start over a mile at Kenilworth at the end of August when only about 75% fit.

It will be a step up in trip and there is some concern as to whether Mystic Moon is not more suited to a mile. Ennion disagrees and with future plans for the gelding including a possible tilt at the Grade 1 Met, he feels that Mystic Moon is quite capable of staying the distance. He jumps from the number three stall and has the services of jockey Richard Fourie.

Dean Kannemeyer has a strong hand in the race with Cree Lodge, In Writing and Blake. Cree Lodge has won over the distance before and could be a big danger. The classy son of Casey Tibbs is equally comfortable over 1400m as he is over 2400m. This is his third run after a rest and with a win over 1400m last time out, he should be ready for the step up in distance.

Blake, a five-year old gelding by Dynasty, has been at the top of his game, finishing in the first three in his last five starts. He beat top stayer Hospitality over the course and distance in his last start and cannot be ignored. He has however finished behind Spitfire Run and Mystic Moon previously and his 11 draw could be a disadvantage.

From the Stewart yard at the beach at Noordhoek, comes the evergreen stayer Hospitality. The gelding by Badger's Drift has had 32 starts for 7 wins and is on top form. He is a course and distance specialist and with the services of Aldo Domeyer, he is out to try and turn the tables on Blake.

Mike Bass and Justin Snaith are constantly locked in battle for the trainers' title and their runners are likely to be doing the same. Bass sends out Thanks John whose form has been fair of late. He finished five lengths behind Mystic Moon at his last start, but it was his first run after a rest. With Sean Cormack in the saddle and a number two draw he could fill the minor places.

Spitfire Run from the Snaith yard is an ultra consistent performer, who is seldom unplaced. He usually contests races from 1400m to 2000m, but the step up in trip should not be a problem. He does however have to contend with the widest draw and this could hamper his winning chances.

The dark horse in the race could be Right and Ready. The Whipper mare from the Joey Ramsden yard is lightly weighted and has the services of Glenn Hatt. She has been ultra consistent of late and won her last start over 1800m going away. It is her first attempt at the 2400m and if she stays the trip, she could be the upset winner of the day.