Kenilworth Racing Preview – Saturday 31 January 2026 | World Sports Betting Cape Town Met Day

Featuring the R5-Million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1) and Seven Feature Races

Published by World Sports Betting (WSB)

South African horse racing takes global centre stage this Saturday as Kenilworth Racecourse hosts the most prestigious fixture of the summer — World Sports Betting Cape Town Met Day.

A 12-race blockbuster programme, headlined by the R5-million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1), delivers elite competition, iconic performers and outstanding betting opportunities from the opening race to the grand finale.

With two Grade 1 contests, a stacked supporting card and the eyes of the racing world fixed firmly on Cape Town, this is not just another meeting — this is racing’s biggest stage. From form students and professional punters to casual fans soaking up the atmosphere, Met Day is where reputations are made and legends are confirmed.

Welcome to your complete Kenilworth betting preview, proudly brought to you by World Sports Betting — the Home of the Best Odds.

The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met – Where Champions Are Crowned

The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met stands as the ultimate examination of South Africa’s elite middle-distance runners. Contested over 2000 metres on Kenilworth’s demanding summer track, the Met has long been a proving ground for champions who go on to dominate locally and abroad.

This year’s renewal promises another tactical masterpiece. A deep, high-quality field converges with classic form lines, proven Grade 1 credentials and progressive stars all colliding in a race where pace, positioning and timing are everything.

There is no hiding place at Kenilworth over 2000m — only the best balanced, toughest and most resolute runners prevail.

Race Day Overview

• First race: 11:50

• Feature race: R5-million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1)

• Total races: 12

Saturday’s Feature Races at a Glance

• R5-Million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1)

• Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes (Grade 1, WFA) – South Africa’s premier mile for fillies and mares

• Five additional feature races packed with depth, quality and betting value

With top-class sprinters, milers and stayers all on show, the card offers opportunities across win bets, each-way value and exotic pools throughout the day.

Kenilworth Track Conditions & Weather

Track Information

• Surface: Turf

• Courses: Summer (2800m) & Winter (2700m)

• Going: Good

• Penetrometer: 22

False Rail

• Position: Summer Course: Inside rail in original position on back straight with a 3m spur at approximately the 600m mark

Draw Bias

• Inside draws generally advantageous in sprint races

• Over longer distances, race shape and tempo play a greater role

Weather Forecast

• Clear Skies, 19-28 deg, 16-25 km/h Southerly Cross Wind

WSB Best Bets – Horses to Watch

After detailed analysis of form, conditions and race structure, here are World Sports Betting’s standout runners for Met Day:

Race 1 – Champagne Castle

Jockey: Richard Fourie | Trainer: Justin Snaith

A lightning-quick filly who has dominated rivals over 1000m. The extra 100m looks well within reach and she could simply prove too fast again.

Race 2 – Eric Liddell

Jockey: Richard Fourie | Trainer: Justin Snaith

An improving, lightly raced winner last time out. Thrives over this course and distance and remains open to further progress.

Race 3 – Magic Verse

Jockey: JP van der Merwe | Trainer: Justin Snaith

A strong last-start effort suggests he has been crying out for this step up in trip. Major player if repeating that run.

Race 4 – Kelp Forest

Jockey: Calvin Habib | Trainer: Adam Marcus

Proven on the big stage and beat several of these over course and distance on King’s Plate day. Carries a small penalty but remains highly competitive.

Race 5 – Surjay

Jockey: Luyolo Mxothwa | Trainer: James Crawford

The evergreen campaigner showed he still belongs at the top level when not far off in the Cape Flying Championship. Huge value at double-figure odds.

Race 6 – Great Plains

Jockey: Andrew Fortune | Trainer: Justin Snaith

Impressive winner over this 1400m trip last time, beating high-profile rivals. Strong claims of following up.

Race 7 – Double Grand Slam

Jockey: Andrew Fortune | Trainer: Justin Snaith

A top-class mare who was narrowly denied in this race last year. Ran with credit in the Grade 1 Paddock Stakes and looks primed to go one better.

Race 8 – See It Again

Jockey: Andrew Fortune | Trainer: Justin Snaith

A Derby winner over course and distance who has been desperately unlucky in recent Grade 1 efforts. Fastest finisher in the King’s Plate and thriving in his new environment — a massive Met contender.

Race 9 – Touched By Angels

Jockey: Gavin Lerena | Trainer: Peter Muscutt

Lightly raced and improving. Still learning but has the talent to feature if seeing out the extra distance.

Race 10 – Princess Of Gaul

Jockey: Craig Zackey | Trainer: Dean Kannemeyer

Not beaten far in a strong Grade 2 over this course and distance last time. A repeat effort brings her right into the equation.

Race 11 – Lavender Bay

Jockey: Serino Moodley | Trainer: Andre Nel

Likely didn’t see out the longer trip last time. Back to a more suitable distance and remains a consistent performer.

Race 12 – Smarten Up

Jockey: Callan Murray | Trainer: Justin Snaith

Not far behind the winner last start and now better off at the weights. Capable of finishing the day on a winning note.

Why Bet Kenilworth with World Sports Betting?

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• PA

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From confident singles to life-changing exotic payouts, WSB puts you ahead of the field.

Final Thoughts

With ideal racing conditions, a stacked programme and the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met as the centrepiece, Saturday at Kenilworth stands tall as the defining race day of the 2026 season.

Whether you’re chasing the Pick 6, siding with proven champions or hunting value in competitive features, this is a card that rewards preparation, insight and smart betting.

Feel the occasion. Trust the form. Bet with the best — only with World Sports Betting.