Legal Eagle has usurped Marinaresco at the head of the market for the R1.5m, Group 1 WFA L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (1600m) at Kenilworth on Saturday.

When Word Sports Betting priced up Saturday’s Kenilworth highlight last Tuesday they took the view that Marinaresco would reverse Green Point running with the Horse of the Year.

But seemingly punters – or at least the early ones – think otherwise because most of the money so far has been for Legal Eagle and by yesterday last year’s winner had shortened from 14-10 to evens with Marinaresco drifting to 14-10.

The challengers’ connections know their horse faces a formidable task. “Unfortunately he is again not drawn well and I don’t think he is as good over a mile as he is over 2 000m,” says Candice Bass-Robinson, adding that the Sun Met is the main objective. “Legal Eagle is a hard horse to beat over a mile but we are going to give it a try.”

Her hopes, and those of Grant van Niekerk, were boosted by an impressive five furlong solo sprint-up by the Champions Cup winner over the course last Wednesday.

The Conglomerate has drifted from 10-1 to 14-1 but punters missed the July winner’s work-out over the full race distance at Kenilworth on Saturday. “It was probably the best bit of work he has ever done,” says a buoyed Joey Ramsden. “In a way this is a prep for the Met – he does need another race – but his Summer Cup run was incredible and he is not in this just to make up the numbers.”

Captain America, fourth last year and 14-1 this time, is the shortest-priced of Brett Crawford’s three (“he is in good form”)with Sail South (35-1) and 60-1 shot Midnite Zone his other two. The presence of the last-named raises the intriguing possibility that he could be used to make the pace for Legal Eagle and The Conglomerate as he also carries the Mayfair colours. But too searching a gallop could play into Marinaresco’s stamina strengths.

Bela-Bela is 12-10 favourite for the Maine Chance Farms Paddock Stakes but seemingly stable companion Star Express has a better chance than her 9-1 price would suggest. “Bela-Bela needed her run last month and has been doing very well since,” says Justin Snaith who has 37 declared over the two days. “But Star Express will be right there. She is a very good filly and there won’t be much between her and Bela-Bela.”

Silver Mountain (28-10) has a length and a half to find with Bela-Bela on last month’s 1 400m run. “I certainly wouldn’t say she can’t do it – depends whether she gets the trip,” says Mrs Robinson. “She has done will since that run and she is drawn well so Grant will be able to slot her into a nice position.”

Mike Robinson, bullish about 16-1 shot Goodtime Gal, points out that this is the second run after a break for the two at the head of the market. “Mine will be the fittest horse in the race,” he says. “It’s a pity Richard Fourie couldn’t stick with her (he is claimed for Final Judgement) but she is a straightforward ride so I don’t think Gavin Lerena will have any problems.”

Last year’s Investec Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn (Piere Strydom) skips the Queen’s Plate to shoulder top weight in the Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Handicap. “A mile is too short for him,” Snaith explains. “This is another prep for the Met and on January 28 he will be ready.”