Cape Town Met at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth hit hard by late AHS withdrawals

In a late blow for the connections and the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met day organisers, five raceday runners based at Randjesfontein have been withdrawn as a result of African Horse Sickness (AHS) travel restrictions.

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The quintet includes four runners from the Sean Tarry yard, headed by Bless My Stars, who was scheduled to be the only filly in the final field of 13 horses declared for the WSB Cape Town Met.

According to the Sporting Post website, a 10% deduction will apply on bets struck prior to her withdrawal at 11:01 on Tuesday.

Other Tarry withdrawals include Proceed (race 1), Winter Greeting (race 5) and Storm Brasco (race 8), who loses a big payday chance in the Cape Racing Gold Rush.

Finally, the Mike Azzie trained Coldhardstare has been withdrawn from the fifth race.

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The 12 remaining runners will contest the 162nd renewal of the R2 million Grade 1 Cape Town Met at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, 27 January.

A look at the latest, updated Hollywoodbets betting shows the current favourite is See It Again at 4/10, followed by Pacaya at 6/1.

Mucho Dinero and Royal Aussie (both 25/2) follow next.

The winner of the race will pocket R1 187 500, with second place worth R380 000.

Third to fifth will pay R190 000, R95 000 and R47 500, respectively.

The gates are due to fly open at 16:45.