Meet the Runners: 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met

Saturday | Kenilworth Racecourse | 2000m | Grade 1

The countdown to South Africa’s most iconic race is almost complete. The 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met brings together a fascinating blend of established champions, rising stars and intriguing outsiders — all converging over 2000 metres at Kenilworth for a place in racing history.

Below, we take a runner-by-runner look at the full field, assessing form, suitability to conditions and how each contender fits into the Met puzzle.

🟣 1. COSMIC SPEED

Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Draw: 1

A proven Grade 1 performer stepping into unknown territory distance-wise. Cosmic Speed has enjoyed a measured Cape Town build-up and now attempts 2000m for the first time. Pedigree suggests the trip is within reach, and from a favourable inside draw with the champion jockey aboard, he profiles as a runner who could easily outperform market expectations if he settles early.

Angle: Untapped stamina + top-class pilot.

🔵 2. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Draw: 2

The defending Met champion returns to defend his crown. Lightly raced since his Durban July second, his King’s Plate effort was below his best but clearly a run short of peak fitness. Crucially, he is unbeaten over 2000m — including two wins at Kenilworth — and historically improves sharply second-up.

Angle: Course, distance and class all ticked.

🟢 3. SAIL THE SEAS

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Muzi Yeni
Draw: 3

One of the most reliable form references in the field. Sail The Seas has traded blows with Eight On Eighteen throughout the season, finishing second in the Cape Derby before reversing the result in the KZN Guineas. Two strong prep runs suggest he arrives cherry-ripe and perfectly drawn to get a stalking trip.

Angle: Consistency and race fitness.

🔴 4. GLADATORIAN

Trainer: Stuart Ferrie
Jockey: Sean Veale
Draw: 4

A seasoned warrior with Grade 1 credentials who brings plenty of class into the contest. His King’s Plate effort can be upgraded after losing ground early, and he finished better than many around him. While held by some rivals on recent form, he is rarely far off and thrives in a truly run race.

Angle: Late runner if tempo lifts.

🟡 5. GARRIX

Trainer: Piet & Elbert Steyn
Jockey: Keagan de Melo
Draw: 5

A horse transformed since gelding. Garrix was unlucky not to win the Green Point Stakes and endured a luckless passage in the King’s Plate. The move up to 2000m looks ideal, and with a cleaner run he shapes as a genuine each-way valueplay in a deep field.

Angle: Distance suits, forgiving last run.

🟠 6. THE REAL PRINCE

Trainer: Dean Kannemeyer
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Draw: 6

The King’s Plate winner arrives chasing a remarkable treble: Durban July, King’s Plate and Met. His gritty win last time underlined his toughness, and his preparation has been faultless. Although marginally worse off at the weights with several rivals, his versatility and fighting spirit make him a formidable contender once again.

Angle: Championship mentality.

⚪ 7. LEGAL COUNSEL

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Aldo Domeyer
Draw: 7

The lowest-rated runner in the field faces a steep rise in class. Best form has come over shorter trips and he appears held on ratings alone. From a tactical standpoint, he could be tasked with ensuring a genuine gallop for his stablemates.

Angle: Likely pace influence.

🟤 8. NATIVE RULER

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: JP van der Merwe
Draw: 8

A capable handicapper but yet to prove himself at this level or distance. His wins have come over a mile and stepping up to 2000m against proven Grade 1 performers looks a demanding assignment. May contribute to race shape rather than the finish.

Angle: Outsider with limited upside.

🔵 9. THE EQUATOR (IRE)

Trainer: Tony Peter
Jockey: René Piechulek
Draw: 9

A beautifully bred import still searching for his breakout performance locally. His Premier Trophy run was respectable rather than eye-catching, but connections were encouraged enough to supplement him. With his German jockey retaining the ride, improvement is possible — particularly over this extra ground.

Angle: One for wider exotic bets.

🟣 10. SEE IT AGAIN

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Andrew Fortune
Draw: 10

Arguably the best finisher in the race. A Derby winner over this distance, See It Again has rediscovered top form since relocating to the Cape and partnering Andrew Fortune. He was desperately unlucky in both the Green Point Stakes and the King’s Plate and is significantly better off at the weights compared to last year’s Met.

Angle: Everything points to peak performance.

⚫ 11. OKAVANGO

Trainer: Justin Snaith
Jockey: Callan Murray
Draw: 11

A dominant Premier Trophy winner who benefited from a soft tempo last time. While clearly talented, he now steps into deeper waters against seasoned Grade 1 rivals. His wide draw may force him to work early, but he could still sneak into the minor money.

Angle: Quartet contender.

🔍 Race Shape & Key Form Lines

The King’s Plate and Premier Trophy provide the clearest reference points. The former showcased The Real Prince’s grit, while also highlighting See It Again as the strongest late closer. The latter favoured Okavango under ideal conditions.

With added distance, altered weights and a likely truer tempo, this Met sets up very differently — bringing stamina, tactics and timing firmly into play.

🏆 Final Verdict

• Most Likely Winner: SEE IT AGAIN

• Biggest Danger: EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN

• Rock-Solid Contender: THE REAL PRINCE

• Value Each-Way: GARRIX / SAIL THE SEAS

One thing is certain: the 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met promises drama, depth and a truly championship-level contest.

👉 Bet now at worldsportsbetting.co.za

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