The J&B Met 2010 Result

1st 18 River Jetez 15/1

2nd 17 Mother Russia 10/1

3rd 1 Pocket Power 17/10 Fav

4th 16 Fort Vogue 50/1

The champion of South Africa’s turf; Pocket Power, will this weekend, attempt to do what no other horses before him have managed. He will attempt to secure his fourth successive J&B Met crown after already securing his place in history a few weekends ago when he managed to wrap up his fourth Queens Plate. He has been priced up at 16/10 favourite.

On current stable form, one cannot disregard the Charles Laird entries, Dan De Lago and Oracy. Both of these imports have shown that they have the class to take a race of this nature and they will surely be right there. The stables victory in last weekend’s Cape Flying Championship shows that the visitors have settled in nicely to their surroundings. The decision by Anton Marcus to ride Dan De Lago is not necessarily a pointer to a preferred stable runner. The coupling is right up there in the betting markets with Dan De Lago being claimed from 4/1 to 33/10 and Oracy having drifted slightly is quoted at 6/1. The other runner from the stable, Smart Banker seems to have a bit to do but already has Grade 1 success to his name.

Mike Bass has five runners in this race. Obviously all the focus will be on Pocket Power but the other stable runners could provide some sort of challenge. This coupling also helps those punters that enjoy their exotics and is a definite inclusion. Of the others in the coupling, Fort Vogue could spring a surprise.  He ran a good race when running second in the Midmar Premiers Trophy and then came out to win the Peninsula Handicap early in January. Karl Nesius takes the ride.

A runner that can prove to be some value is Kapil, from the Stan Elley yard. This horse has been revitalised since returning from an overseas campaign and his second behind Pocket Power in the Queens Plate was a good run. He receives two kilos from Pocket Power and this could be a factor. He is trading at around 16/1

A trainer that has been enjoying a very good run of late is Glen Kotzen. His coupling of Fabiani and Vodacom Durban July winner, Big City Life look very competitive. The biggest concern for Big City Life is the draw. Their dead heat for third in the Queens Plate shows that they both have the ability to take a race of this nature.

Of the female entrants in the race, Mother Russia stands out. Her win in the Paddock Stakes was full of merit especially seeing as the infamous Cape crawl reared its ugly head and the field went at a canter. She could have held her spot in the Fancourt Majorca stakes on the same day but her conditioner, Mike De Kock chose to enter her here. She definitely has the class and ability and it would come as no surprise should she end up winning here. She has drawn widest of all which may prove to be her undoing.

River Jetez, the full sister to Pocket Power has been claimed in from 16/1 to 12/1. She has constantly been outshone by her brother and may be better when taking on fillies. She has tried on numerous occasions and still has not got the measure of Pocket Power. It does not seem that it can happen in this field either.

The Basil Marcus trained runner, Red Rake, could provide the trainer with the biggest win of his relatively short career.  He is an ultra consistent sort and his win in the Midmar Premiers Trophy was full of merit. He is drawn in pole position and could go one step further and list Grade 1 triumph on his so far relatively unblemished C.V.

Browsing the racing media in the build-up to the weekend’s big race, it is easy to see why people are excited. This year’s renewal promises to be a thrilling affair, and there are a few contenders in the field that could make history for themselves if they manage to snatch victory from Pocket Power. It is sure to live up to the theme “In Full Colour” especially if it is closely fought out at the business end.

Selections:

1st - Dan De Lago
2nd- Pocket Power
3rd - Mother Russia
4th - Kapil

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