The big horse racing action this weekend in South Africa comes in the form of the Settlers Trophy. The listed stakes race has been a wide open handicap throughout recent editions, with 12/1 shot Senso Unico landing a success in the 2023 edition for trainer Vaughan Marshall.
Once again in 2024, it will be a hugely popular race day at Durbanville, with free entry available for all those that wish to attend. You can find out everything that you need to know about the 2024 renewal here.
Race Details
The Settlers Trophy will be the standout race at Durbanville this weekend, with horses aged four and older competing in the handicap over 2,000 metres. The course record is held by Fort Agopias, while class record is held by Somerset Maugham, who won the race back in 2022. A field of nine runners will go to post for the event this Saturday.
Settlers Trophy Leading Contenders
Love Is A Rose
Love Is A Rose is back for a second attempt in the race for trainer Greg Ennion. The five-year-old finished a very respectable fifth in the race last year, and will carry less weight on her back this year.
She comes into the race after some pleasing recent performances, which included a fifth career success at Kenilworth over 2,200 metres when last seen. The step up in trip certainly appeared to bring out significant improvement.
Call To Unite
Justin Snaith has a number of interesting contenders this year, including Call To Unite. The gelding will be the ride of Rachel Venniker, and he has won twice from eight starts.
He has placed on four further appearances, but a return to form will be required after finishing a distance 12th over 1,600 metres in the Wolf Power Syndicate Stakes. However, he has an unexposed profile that makes him very interesting in this company.
Pas De Nom
Pas De Nom is trained by Dean Kannemeyer, and the five-year-old has strong claims this weekend. He has won five from 19 career starts, and has placed on three further appearances. His form is strong heading into the race this year after winning on two of his last three starts.
That includes an eye-catching success over 1,900 metres on his previous outing when getting the better of Cupid’s Song.
Navy Strength
Justin Snaith’s likely leading fancy in the BetXchange betting this weekend will be Navy Strength. The six-year-old is more exposed than most, but he comes into the race this year after clocking some significant ratings on his starts in 2024.
Among those include an official rating of 101 when finishing fifth behind Flower of Saigon over 1,950 metres in the Cape Turf Syndicates at Durbanville earlier this month.
Settlers Trophy Prediction
Justin Snaith’s recent strike-rate shows that he should have an important hand to play this weekend. Rapidash boasts a standout rating on his performances this season, and has already won following a 93-day break at Durbanville after beating Pacaya by a short head at the start of September. Looks to fit the progressive profile that is required to win this listed race.
