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2022 WSB Cape Town Met horse profile: LINEBACKER

Everything that you need to know about 2022 WSB Cape Town Met runner LINEBACKER.

Linebacker
Image Copyright - Candiese Lenferna

Everything that you need to know about 2022 WSB Cape Town Met runner LINEBACKER. This four-year-old gelding ran second in the 2021 Vodacom Durban July after starting as favourite. Can he bag this big one in the cape?

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

LINEBACKER went into the 2021 Vodacom Durban July as a joint-favourite at the jump at 28/10. The Vaughn Marshall-trained gelding had won the Grade 1 Daily News 2000, the Grade 2 WSB Guineas and the  Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby.

He did endure a forgettable L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate earlier this year, but poor runs appear to be the exception to the rule for the son of Captain Of All. Grant van Niekerk will be on board, expect him to be in the mix at the end. It’s worth noting that he has won both starts over this distance, both times piloted by van Niekerk (Cape Derby and Daily News 2000).

Linebacker Silks

6 – LINEBACKER 4/1

Jockey: Grant van Niekerk
Trainer: Vaughn Marshall
Owner: Mesdames C L Gabler & Jane Truter & Mr K P Truter

Breeder: Klawervlei Stud
Sire: Captain Of All
Dam: Thin Red Line (AUS) by Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Age: 4
Colour: Bay
Sex: Gelding
MR: 126

Weight: 59.5
Draw: 6

Career Record: 11 runs (4 wins, 6 places)
Stakes Won: R1 837 750

Runs at Kenilworth: 7 runs (1 wins, 5 places)
Runs at 2000m distance: 2 runs (2 wins)

Notable Runs:

3rd in the 202 WSB Club Prive WSB Green Point Stakes (Gr 2) 1600m
2nd in the 2021 Vodacom Durban July (Gr 1) 2200m
1st in the 2021 Daily News 2000 (Gr 1) 2000m
1st in the 2021 WSB Guineas (Gr 2) 1600m
1st in the 2021 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby (Gr 1) 2000m

Winning Form Comments:  3rd run after rest. Best MR:126. Reunites with Van Niekerk and should be cherry-ripe. Can go close.

2022 Cape Town Met – 2000m – Grade 1
R2 000 000 – Turf
Saturday 29 January 2022

HORSESPJockeyTrainer
1st – KOMMETDIEDING (5)18/10G LerenaH Crawford/M Rix
2nd – JET DARK (4)4/1S KhumaloJ Snaith
3rd – LINEBACKER (6)4/1G van NiekerekV Marshall
4th – DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE (11)6/1A MarcusJ Snaith
5th – DO IT AGAIN (1)20/1B Fayd’HerbeJ Snaith

An exciting field of 11 runners go to post for the Grade 1 WSB Cape Town Met. KOMMETDIEDING has had the perfect preparation heading into this race. He did his best work late when finishing third in the Non-Black Type Cape Mile and his run in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate last time was even more encouraging. He will come into this race at peak fitness and from pole position, he should be the one to beat.

JET DARK was ultra-impressive when winning the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate last time. Despite losing two lengths at the start, he quickened up well and drew clear of the opposition. The son of Trippi tries the 2000m for the first time and if seeing out the extra distance on offer, he should go close to winning.

LINEBACKER is much better than his last start suggests. He is unbeaten from two starts over this distance. It is encouraging that Grant van Niekerk steps back into the saddle and the combination cannot be ignored.

MARINA got going too late when finishing third behind Captain’s Ransom in the Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes last time. The daughter of Silvano stays all day and she should give the males a run for their money.

Punters' Challenge - Met Edition

Punters' Challenge Met 2022

The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge will feature a very special edition of the competition for the WSB Cape Town Met! There is R200 000 which must be won on the day. 

The prize will be shared among the top 50 on the leaderboard, with the player who finishes in first place bagging R100 000!

In addition to this, there is an incredible R10 000 000 which is up for grabs to the person/s who tip ALL of the winners on the WSB Cape Town Met card!

Register Now with Hollywoodbets Mobile

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