3 minute read

The Daily News 2000 and Woolavington 2000 are among the best three-year-old Group One races in South Africa as they invariably bring together the cream of the Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal crops.

Last year witnessed the rivalry between Vercingetorix and Capetown Noir.

This year could well be another clash of the titans if Triple Crown winner Louis The King and Investec Cape Derby champion Legislate accept for the R2 million Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday May 31.

Legislate has already won at the course, running out an easy three-length winner of the KRA Guineas over 1600m.

Louis The King has not yet raced at Greyville but he will have the benefit of a good draw. The Geoff Woodruff-trained star landed barrier 4 when entries closed, while Justin Snaith’s charge drew at 15 of the 16 entries.

And the interest does not stop with just those two big names.

The much talked about Futura, winner of the Consolation 1900 at Greyville, has been nominated along with the Mike de Kock-trained Whistle Stop, who lost his way late last year but is now reported to have recaptured his best form.

Alec Laird has a trio comprising As You Like, who placed in all three of the Triple Crown races, Bezanova, second in the Guineas at Greyville, and Earl Of Derby.

Along with Futura, Brett Crawford has entered Cape Derby runner-up Captain America.

While Woodruff will be happy with Louis The King’s draw, he won’t be over the moon that Zephira drew 26 for the R1 million Woolavington 2000.

She started favourite to win the Wilgerbosdrift SA Oaks but mystified her trainer by finishing unplaced.

Oaks winner Ash Cloud is among the entries but also drew wide at No 20.

SA Fillies Classic winner Athina and runner-up Along Came Polly, who went on to win the G1 Empress Club Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein, are in the mix.

Justin Snaith has nominated Cape Fillies Guineas winner In The Fast Lane while the KRA Fillies Guineas champion Maybe Yes from the Crawford yard has also got an entry.