What a joke - 2025 Cape Derby field!!!

Seeing that there is no racing, would Bob be kind enough to open a thread for Saturday, think i have found one and willing to share my thoughts.

bayern wrote:

My opinion, yes Snaith has kept 5 runners in the race to "keep it alive", otherwise there may not have been a race this year. Think, Express Yourself, same ownership as the favourite, is there to ensure a truer pace.

.....the only known horse that may prefer to be handy is Native Ruler.... however with Lerena up may be a more restrained ride and not making the pace....huh

This is a very poor field for a Grade 1 event and quality over quantity is just an adage to fit the current situation. While i am in awe of the turn around in Cape racing, the teamwork and investment to turn it around, racing in South Africa still feels disjointed. Personally it still smacks of regionalism and without a national program that owners, trainers and punters can follow with enthusiasm, it will remain so. Each region wants its share of Grade 1 events however this has led to a program that just feels disjointed and raises the question, which are the best Grade 1 events? The JHB & CPT main seasons clash, so are these regional Graded races? There should be a clear scoring system for annual awards that everyone can follow rather than the often subjective affair that it ends up being. This may even lead to a better program for everyone. The fact that horses are still, "hidden away", from the hadicapper's penalty means that the best horses are not always racing. Isn't it interesting that Sea Cottage only raced in JHB at the end of his career?

Has anyone asked their customers which are their favourite races? 

Herewith my selections;
1. THE JULY
2. THE DAILY NEWS
3. THE SCOTTSVILLE SPRINT DAY -  ALL 4 GRADE 1 EVENTS
4. THE MET
5. THE 1600M EVENTS FOR 2YR OLDS ON GOLD CUP DAY
6. THE SA CLASSIC
7. THE KINGS PLATE
8. THE GOLD CHALLENGE
9. THE PADDOCK STAKES
10. THE GOLD CUP

BIGGEST PUNTING DAYS;
1. THE JULY
2. THE GOLD CUP
3. THE MET
4. SCOTTSVILLE SPRINT DAY

July
Met
Computaform sprint
Queens Plate
SA 2000
SA Derby
Schweppes Challenge
Dingaans