Legal Eagle (speed score 101+) won the Queens Plate under a perfectly judged ride by Anton Marcus. They broke alertly to lead early then, after Bouclette Top came around to take over, kicked from that handy position to seize control in the stretch. Legal Eagle is a superior racehorse having previously run a number as high as 114, and he could well land the Met next. A fresh Legislate tried hard back in second place, with the three year old Noah from Goa running boldly into third. Met ante post favourite Futura was not quite at his best, failing to quicken up like usual, though he must still be a prime candidate for the month end showdown.
Smart Call (s/s 101+) will also have a crack at the big race after racing handy and drawing off to win the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes from Inara. She is a very good filly who has built a sterling record around the country. According to trainer Alec Laird, she is best over 2000m + so he thinks the Met in three weeks’ time over that distance is a suitable target.
Black Arthur (s/s 105) was tremendous when winning the Politician Stakes, running on powerfully from stone last under Piere Strydom to lumber Marineresco (s/s 104) and a much improved Liege (s/s 104). After his last victory, trainer Chris Snaith said of the three year old, “He is the best we’ve got,” and that judgement was vindicated with this impressive score.
In the fourth feature race on the Kenilworth card, Light the Lights (s/s 104) bounded through in the final stages to nab Milton (s/s 103) and clinch the Peninsula Handicap. The winner showed real promise last season in strong company, and is cycling back to top form again, whilst the runner up has been radically transformed since returning to the care of veteran Cape owner/trainer Bill Prestage.