The R2 million L’OMARINS KING’S PLATE (G1) will be held for the 162nd time in South Africa on Saturday, January 7 at Kenilworth Park and a strong field of 10 has been assembled for the 1600 metre weight-for-age race for 3-year-olds and upward.
You can watch and wager on the Kenilworth races on www.HPIBet.com beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday, January 7.
The King’s Plate, which had its name changed for this year’s edition from the Queen’s Plate (sound familiar?), is a ‘Win and You’re In’ race for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in November at Santa Anita.
Just like the Queen’s Plate/King’s Plate in Canada at Woodbine, the King’s Plate was first run as the Queen’s Plate (in 1861) in honour of Queen Victoria after she donated a silver Plate and 5000 sovereigns to the South African Turf Club.
The race reverted to the “King’s Plate” name as a result of the accession of King Charles III in September 2022.
Undefeated CHARLES DICKENS, a 3-year-old by American-bred TRIPPI from the mare Demanding Lady by Dynasty, takes over JET DARK (also by Trippi) with the latter having won the last two editions of the famous South African race. You can view the race card/track program here.
Trippi, by End Sweep, has long been a leading sire in South Africa and he is in his 26th year.
Charles Dickens’ second dam Demanding Damsel is by Deputy Commander, a son of Canadian champion Deputy Minister.
From www.capracing.co.za:
Before Charles Dickens even made his debut in April 2022, the class hierarchy was clear with Jet Dark the pre-eminent miler in South Africa after successive wins in the Queen’s Plate; and Met/ July victor, Kommetdieding topped the middle-distance category.
However, things change quickly in horse racing – from only six starts, Charles Dickens has run the sort of off-the-charts figures that now put him on the cusp of legendary status.
Ironically, the horse to get closest to him, (beaten a neck on debut) Yellowporscheroad, has twice suffered bleeding episodes and is out of action. All other subsequent rivals have been spat out with disdain by the magnificent chestnut son of Trippi.
Recent victims include juvenile champ Cousin Casey who clocked in a discouraged 4.25 lengths behind his awesome contemporary in the Cape Guineas whilst former Guineas winner, five-year-old, Russian Rock was thrashed by over three lengths in receipt of 1.5kg’s in November by the not-even tuned up youngster.
On pure handicapping, Charles Dickens looks formidable carrying just 55 kgs. However, Justin Snaith is adamant that Jet Dark will not relinquish his crown without a fight. The four-time G1 winning Trippi entire is deadly over 1600m and is striving to complete a rare, hat trick in this prestigious contest.
Kommetdieding has tangled with Jet Dark on several occasions and there is not much between them. He is primed third run after a rest having won both starts off a similar pattern.
There is a query about a genuine pace for this race as it lacks an obvious leader. Zapatillas, Russian Rock and Golden Ducat should go handy from low draws but might not exactly force the issue. Positioning, luck in running (the principals are drawn 9, 10 and 8 respectively) and ability to accelerate will prove decisive.
Yet another son of Trippi, Trip of Fortune could be best of the balance after a stylish score in the Green Point Stakes.
L’ORMARINS KING’S PLATE FIELD
Horse, weight, merit rating, jockey and trainer
Al Muthana (AUS) 60 125 Bernard Fayd’Herbe, Ricky Maingard
Golden Ducat 60 125 Christopher Soumillon, Eric Sands
Jet Dark 60 130 Richard Fourie, Justin Snaith
Kommetdieding 60 129 Gavin Lerena, HWJ Crawford/M Rix
Linebacker 60 124 Corne Orffer, Vaughan Marshall
Russian Rock 60 111 Keagan de Melo, Dean Kannemeyer
Speed Machine 60 108 Rachel Venniker, Justin Snaith
Trip Of Fortune 60 119 Gareth Wright, Candice Bass-Robinson
Waterberry Lane – SCRATCHED 60 116 Grant Behr, Dean Kannemeyer
Zapatillas 60 118 Luyolo Mxothwa, Brett Crawford
Charles Dickens 55 128 Aldo Domeyer, Candice Bass-Robinson
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