Meet the Contenders: A Closer Look at the Runners in the 2025 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met
As the excitement builds for the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, let’s take a deep dive into the field of runners vying for glory in South Africa’s most prestigious horse race. From seasoned champions to rising stars, this year’s lineup promises an exhilarating contest.
1. RED PLACE
Trainer: Dean Kannemeyer | Jockey: Gavin Lerena
This consistent filly is poised for a big run from the inside draw. A proven stayer with a Grade 2 win over 2000m, she’s no stranger to the winner’s circle. Could she turn the tables on her rivals and cause an upset?
Career Stats: 16 Runs; 5 Wins; 3 Places | Earnings: R1,317,012
2. AL MUTHANA
Trainer: Ricky Maingard | Jockey: Gareth Wright
A veteran with undeniable class but struggling for form, this gelding will need a sharp turnaround to contend. Can his experience shine through?
Career Stats: 30 Runs; 8 Wins; 7 Places | Earnings: R3,210,575
3. ORIENTAL CHARM
Trainer: Brett & James Crawford | Jockey: JP van der Merwe
The 2024 Durban July winner is back for redemption after a below-par showing in the King’s Plate. Expect him to thrive over the extra 400m. A must-include for exotic bets.
Career Stats: 12 Runs; 5 Wins; 2 Places | Earnings: R3,840,625
4. FUTURE SWING
Trainer: Justin Snaith | Jockey: Grant van Niekerk
A consistent performer who’s shown grit in recent outings. While not ideally weighted, his knack for sneaking into the Quartet makes him a solid dark horse.
Career Stats: 24 Runs; 7 Wins; 12 Places | Earnings: R1,246,975
5. ATTICUS FINCH
Trainer: Alec Laird | Jockey: Raymond Danielson
After a sensational Summer Cup win, this gelding stumbled in the King’s Plate. If he finds his rhythm, he has the class to challenge the best.
Career Stats: 19 Runs; 6 Wins; 7 Places | Earnings: R4,237,000
6. LITIGATION
Trainer: Sean Tarry | Jockey: Muzi Yeni
With strong recent performances at Kenilworth and a favourable draw, this six-year-old is the value pick of the race. Keep an eye on him.
Career Stats: 37 Runs; 8 Wins; 10 Places | Earnings: R1,311,437
7. ROYAL AUSSIE
Trainer: Justin Snaith | Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Despite being unproven over the distance, this gelding’s strong finishing kick could make him a Quartet spoiler if the pace slows.
Career Stats: 22 Runs; 6 Wins; 12 Places | Earnings: R6,490,862
8. PACAYA
Trainer: Justin Snaith | Jockey: Rachel Venniker
A second shot at Met glory for this talented but unpredictable runner. Will he finally live up to the high regard in which he’s held?
Career Stats: 24 Runs; 6 Wins; 7 Places | Earnings: R936,212
10. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN
Trainer: Justin Snaith | Jockey: Richard Fourie
A rising star with a stellar record, this three-year-old has the pedigree and form to claim the crown. A hot favourite for a reason.
Career Stats: 6 Runs; 2 Wins; 4 Places | Earnings: R840,837
11. MAGIC VERSE
Trainer: Justin Snaith | Jockey: Aldo Domeyer
On an upward trajectory with a sharp merit rating increase, this gelding has proven he can handle the distance. A strong contender for the minor places.
Career Stats: 14 Runs; 3 Wins; 5 Places | Earnings: R389,787
12. SEE IT AGAIN
Trainer: Michael Roberts | Jockey: Piere Strydom
A two-time Grade 1 winner over 2000m, this gelding has the ability but needs to bounce back from recent disappointments. A wildcard entry.
Career Stats: 21 Runs; 7 Wins; 9 Places | Earnings: R4,794,375
13. BARATHEON
Trainer: Piet Botha | Jockey: Tristan Godden
A tough ask for this six-year-old, who will need to find significant improvement to compete with the top-tier runners.
Career Stats: 38 Runs; 6 Wins; 9 Places | Earnings: R616,162
15. MONTIEN
Trainer: Piet Botha | Jockey: Corne Orffer
A surprise second in the King’s Plate, this gelding must prove he can handle the extra 400m. Can he defy expectations once again?
Career Stats: 17 Runs; 4 Wins; 9 Places | Earnings: R1,233,512
16. RASCALLION
Trainer: Vaughan Marshall | Jockey: Sean Veale
Last year’s runner-up has been in excellent form with blinkers and comes into the Met with a big chance. A top contender for the title.
Career Stats: 28 Runs; 7 Wins; 14 Places | Earnings: R2,170,712
17. ZAPATILLAS
Trainer: Brett & James Crawford | Jockey: Louie Mxothwa
Winless for nearly 1,000 days, this gelding will need a miraculous performance to break his drought in such a competitive field.
Career Stats: 19 Runs; 3 Wins; 8 Places | Earnings: R742,950
Who Will Reign Supreme?
With a field this competitive, the 2025 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met promises to be a race for the ages. Whether it’s the proven champions or the rising stars, every runner has a story. Who are you backing?
