Opinions were divided over the exact merits of Cape Town after he laid out his Sagitta 2,000 Guineas credentials at Newmarket yesterday. William Hill slashed the colt to 10 to 1 (from 50s) for the first Classic after his emphatic victory in the Victor Chandler European Free Handicap.
But there was a general quote of 16 to 1 and some bookmakers are still prepared to offer 20 to 1.
Cape Town, ridden by Richard Hughes, strode to the front with a furlong to travel and pulled clear in pleasing fashion. At the line he was three and a half lengths clear of Catchy Word with a neck back to Eurolink Raindance.
The Free Handicap winner has gone on to win the 2000 Guineas only three times with Mystiko, in 1991, the last one to manage it.
But Hannon, who today runs another 2,000 Guineas contender Umistim in the Craven Stakes, is keen to let Cape Town take his chance. Cape Town's victory was the first for Hannon since Andreyev scored at the Lincoln meeting in March.
'I'm thrilled especially as some of the others have been running as if they are in need of a race,' he said. 'The way the trials are working out we might as well have a go at the Guineas now. He's a good horse this fella, though he has got a bit lazy at home.'
Michael Roberts loss was Michael Kinane's gain as Indian Lodge (10 to 1) ran away with a slowly run Weatherbys Earl Of Sefton Stakes.
Roberts had partnered Amanda Perrett's charge on five of his eight appearances including three of his four wins.
However, the South African had been booked to ride the Geoff Wragg-trained Sossus Vlei in today's nine furlong event so the not inconsiderable talents of Ireland's 11-times champion jockey were utilised on Indian Lodge.
And the partnership proved devastating as Kinane and his mount swept out of the Dip with his 11 rivals toiling to go on and record a two and a half length verdict over the Queen's Fairy Godmother with Mujahid a neck back in third.
The irony is that Sossus Vlei was withdrawn from the affair with a vet's certificate leaving Roberts to watch Indian Lodge's success.
'Mick's a brilliant jockey,' said Mrs Perrett. 'But I feel so sorry for Michael because he made this horse last year.'
The biggest disappointment of the race was the 11 to 10 favourite Shiva who could only finish in seventh place with the slow early pace being to blame according to trainer Henry Cecil.
Present Laughter lived up to the promise of his seasonal debut to land the opening Charles Heidsieck Champagne Stakes under 5lb claimer Lee Newton for Paul Cole.
The Whatcombe trainer admitted he had always held Present Laughter in high regard.
