Ridden with positive intent from draw 11, Kilindini used stalk and pounce tactics to easily win the G1 Cape Guineas at Kenilworth. The son of Silvano can accelerate quickly and he used that to his advantage by making an early move from a handy position.
On his Interbet sponsored podcast, trainer Brett Crawford exuded confidence beforehand, “Kilindini is a quality horse. He’s put up very good work and has enjoyed a perfect prep.” Crawford also sagely advised that third placed runner Macthief should be “respected.” The Time Thief colt was another in the vanguard throughout which was the right place to be given the gentle early tempo, as was second placed Viva Rio (Oratorio) who tried hard but lacked the potent kick of the winner.
The only horse to make any significant progress against the race shape was Wild Coast. He made a spirited rails’’ run to get up for fourth and is definitely one to follow as he matures in races over a touch further. Jockey Bernard Fayd Herbe, associated with many high- class horses during his career, was suitably impressed.
A more genuine/fair pace scenario unfolded in the G2 Premier Trophy and G3 Victress Stakes. Calm and well behaved on his Cape debut, Hawwaam (speed score 110 +, has previously run 113 and 116 @ best) had no trouble beating off Bunker Hunt (s/s 106.) He ran a notable 35.1 second 600m to finish fraction without being pressed, which was the same come- home sectional time put up by Kilindini in a false run Guineas.
Also sired by the tremendous producer, Silvano, this bay colt has produced stellar figures from 1200m up to 2000m and is, arguably, the best horse in SA. Mike de Kock’s runner will get his chance to prove that in the upcoming Queens Plate and Met.
Snapscan (s/s 108) was most impressive scything through a tiring field to win the Victress by three lengths in an overall time that was only slightly slower than Hawwaam’s, though her closing fraction was not nearly as brisk.
Nevertheless, this represents a career best effort by the fast- developing daughter of Oratorio, trained by Glen Kotzen. She overturned a last start defeat by Miyabi Gold, beating that rival into second after Silvano’s Pride (s/s 103) had tried to lead all the way, only to cave in over the final stages.