SEE IT AGAIN Leads the Pack

The 2024 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met stands as the epitome of racing excellence, a moment that not only stops the nation but elevates the heartbeat of every racing aficionado. As the sun sets on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 16:45, the racing world will focus its gaze on 13 horses, each carrying the dreams of victory and the aspiration to become part of the storied legacy that this illustrious event has crafted over the years.

The odds-on favourite for the upcoming 2024 WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1) is the Michael Roberts trained 4-year-old colt 11 SEE IT AGAIN currently at 5/10, ridden by the legendary jockey Piere Strydom. 11 SEE IT AGAIN, widely recognized as the best horse in the country, has secured victories in the 2023 SPLASHOUT CAPE DERBY (Grade 1) and the 2023 DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1), achieved runner-up status in the 2023 HWB Durban July (Grade 1), triumphed in the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING GREEN POINT STAKES (Grade 2), and claimed second place in the 2024 L’ORMARINS KING’S PLATE (WFA) (Grade 1). With successful prep runs, 11 SEE IT AGAIN is anticipated to be in prime condition, making him the ideal banker for many punters on the day.

Jockey Richard Fourie will be in the saddle for the only filly in the race, 5 BLESS MY STARS. Demonstrating remarkable courage by finishing third in the 2023 HWB Durban July (Grade 1), she has proven her ability to punch above her weight. The Kenilworth track is expected to complement her running style, and a strong performance is anticipated. With current odds at 10/1, 5 BLESS MY STARS stands out as a solid each-way value proposition.

3 PACAYA showcased brilliance by winning the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING 1900 (Grade 2) but fell short of expectations in the 2023 HWB Durban July (Grade 1). Trainer Justin Snaith’s meticulous preparation for the 2024 WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1) bodes well, with Juan Paul V’D Merwe set to ride. If 3 PACAYA can replicate the performance that led to victory in the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING 1900 (Grade 2), he’s poised for a strong finish. With current odds at 8/1, loyal followers might find the temptation hard to resist.

The Justin Snaith trained 6 MUCHO DINERO has been a revelation this season, securing an impressive 4 wins from 4 runs. Notably, he claimed victory in the 2024 ANTHONIJ RUPERT WINE PREMIER TROPHY (Grade 2), showcasing significant improvements to compete at this level. If he maintains this trajectory, 6 MUCHO DINERO could emerge as a dark horse poised to contend for a strong finish, especially at current odds of 15/1. Jockey Grant Van Niekerk is set to guide him on the big day.

Trained by Justin Snaith, 9 WITHOUT QUESTION, set to be ridden by the only female jockey in the race, Rachel Venniker, carries a blend of potential and past competitiveness. Despite recent form not standing out, he has demonstrated capability by competing closely with the current favourite 11 SEE IT AGAIN in the 2023 SPLASHOUT CAPE DERBY (Grade 1) and 2023 DAILY NEWS 2000 (Grade 1). If he can recapture that form, he offers intriguing value at current odds of 28/1.

Despite a stop-start career, 2 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE has shown early potential, and trainer Justin Snaith’s expertise in preparing for significant events adds confidence. Recent form may not stand out, but Snaith is known for peaking horses on big days. Jockey Daniel Muscutt jumps in the saddle. 2 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE’s standout performance was finishing 1.7 lengths behind in the 2022 WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1). If he can replicate that form, he could emerge as a contender at current odds of 33/1.

The 6-year-old gelding, 13 RASCALLION, hails from trainer Vaughan Marshall’s stable and will be ridden by jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe. Consistently competitive throughout his racing career, he finished just 2 lengths behind in the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1). With commendable prep runs, 13 RASCALLION is poised for another gutsy performance. At current odds of 40/1, he presents solid each-way value, with the potential to secure a place in the money and potentially cause an upset in the field.

Horses like 8 ROYAL AUSSIE under trainer Justin Snaith and ridden by Kabelo Matsunyane, 10 SUGAR MOUNTAIN from the sole female trainer in the race, Candice Bass-Robinson, set to be ridden by jockey Aldo Domeyer, and 12 MONTIEN under trainer Piet Botha, ridden by jockey Anthony Andrews, possess useful form that could secure positions in the back end of quartets or potentially cause upsets at big odds. However, a major concern is their lack of experience over the 2000m distance. This introduces a risk, as their performance at this specific distance remains uncertain. A similar consideration applies to 7 AL MUTHANA under trainer Ricky Maingard, ridden by jockey Raymond Danielson, whose best races have been over shorter distances, making them less competitive at 2000m. While these horses have the potential to win on their day with favourable conditions, the unknown factor at this distance adds an element of risk.

The rank 2 outsiders in this race are 1 WATERBERRY LANE, trained by Ricky Maingard and ridden by Denis Schwarz, and 4 ANFIELDS ROCKET, trained by Brett Crawford with Luyolo Mxothwa as the jockey. 1 WATERBERRY LANE’s recent form has been inconsistent, but on a good day, he can put up a decent performance, with his best recent showing being 2.3 lengths behind in the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1). 4 ANFIELDS ROCKET’s season performance has been subpar, and he’ll need to rediscover his 3-year-old form when he won the 2023 WORLD SPORTS BETTING SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) to be competitive in this field.

Summary

In the spotlight as the current 5/10 favourite, 11 SEE IT AGAIN undeniably holds the mantle as the best horse in the field, setting the stage for what appears to be his race to dominate. However, the intrigue lies in the unpredictable nature of racing, and should 11 SEE IT AGAIN encounter an off day, the field becomes a battleground for contenders like 3 PACAYA, 2 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE, 5 BLESS MY STARS, 6 MUCHO DINERO, 9 WITHOUT QUESTION, and 13 RASCALLION, all poised to seize the opportunity.

The allure of potential upsets is further heightened by the enticing odds on 9 WITHOUT QUESTION at 28/1, 2 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE at 33/1, and 13 RASCALLION at 40/1 to emerge as not only value picks but thrilling options for those seeking the excitement of an underdog story. The 2024 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met promises a captivating narrative of favourites asserting dominance and dark horses ready to challenge.

Verdict

11 SEE IT AGAIN 5/10

2 DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE 33/1

13 RASCALLION 40/1

9 WITHOUT QUESTION 28/1

All prices correct at time of writing but subject to change. Click Here To Bet