The depth in the field of largely 120 to 130-rated horses represents the quality South Africa possesses in the premier mile race in the land.

Unfortunately, the race lacks a standout, and so does the nation. Barring the fan favorite, Quid Pro Quo, there isn't a true standout in the mile ranks in South Africa or any other distance for that matter.

The combination of runners leaving for overseas campaigns and the smaller numbers currently being bred has led to a smaller sample set and, thus, difficulty in assembling a multitude of top performers. South Africa rarely presents multiple champions in one generation, and if it does produce more than one perceived standout, it's likely not a great generation anyway. Anything else being said is purely for marketing purposes.

The King's Plate represents this reality. No real standout and a lack of proper depth (as that's all we have). Most of these wouldn't stack up at the international level anyway, but that isn't any major statement.

The one that does catch the eye as progressive is One Stripe, but then again, he seemingly just got over the line in the Cape Guineas. He did previously beat Snow Pilot at the weights, so there again, that represents the weakness of the older generation. Snow Pilot is the 7/2 second favorite.

This leaves an ideal chance for a See It Again type to tap into the reserves for a big effort, as well as a horse like Montien to surprise. His form stacks up with Gimme A Prince and Royal Aussie, whom he had the beating of. This again outlines the lack of a standout. Hence, it may all come down to jockeyship—another area where we lack major depth. Consequently, we are seeing the likes of Oisin Murphy coming back for a second set of rides in South Africa after his first appearance in SA for the Summer Cup in November.

This is, after all, a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' affair, and that means big incentives to travel. Everyone wants to win it.

Images extraction, Cape Racing/Chase