South Cape is well weighted at present and looks overpriced at 10/1 to score an overdue success in the 5.50 at Sandown.
Gary Moores’ gelding failed to sparkle last season, but he is now running off mark of just 66 as a result.
That is a massive 19lb lower than when he was last successful at Nottingham back in October 2010 and gives him a terrific chance in what looks a very winnable contest.
The nine-year-old has proved a useful sort over the years, and although he finished distressed on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield he ran much better next in an amateur riders handicap at Newbury when an eye-catching 4th of 15 to Maven.
Held-up well off the pace that day, he was given a mountain to climb by Hayley Moore who gave away tons of ground by swinging wide into the straight and deciding to come down the middle of the track.
However to his credit, the horse picked up really well at the two pole and kept on strongly to be beaten just 5 1/4 lengths.
It was an effort which suggested that the problems he had on his reappearance had been sorted, and he again then caught the eye on his next start when finishing a close up 5th of 11 to Edgeworth at Bath.
He stayed on without being knocked about that day to be beaten just 2 lengths, and was then arguably unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when finishing third of 12 to Odin at Salisbury.
James Doyle was bringing him with a strong challenge and he had every chance when nearly brought down a furlong from home, and he performed miracles to stay on his feet and keep on again to be beaten just 3 1/2 lengths.
He now meets the second home Hurakan on 11lb better terms, and given how the race panned out that should be enough for him to reverse the placings.
Although the selection could then only finish third of 5 at Brighton last time up that was a class 4 contest and a messy affair and the drop back down to class 5 company and a bigger field will suit.
He also has the services of the very talented Harry Bentley in the saddle, and that is another major plus in this apprentice contest.
There is now way that he should be available to back at more than double the odds of the favourite Hurakan, and at 10/1 he looks cracking each-way value.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way South Cape (10/1 BetVictor – BOG)