Say cheers to a bubbly season

We've been sweltering for so long it's hard to remember what autumn is like, let alone winter. But a little bird informs me cooler times are on the way.

Or rather The Byrds:

"To everything, turn, turn, turn.

There is a season, turn, turn, turn.

And a time to every purpose under heaven."

Other clear indicators of times a'changin' is the conclusion of the "Sizzling Summer" racing season in Cape Town and the appearance of fields for Guineas day in Joburg - an annual harbinger of autumn.

Two Grade 3 races on tomorrow's Kenilworth card bring the curtain down on the Cape party. The Prix Du Cap and the Chairman's Cup are a clear indication of other changes taking place on our racing scene - namely the swing in fashion away from stamina horses towards middle-distance campaigners.

The Prix Du Cap is a 1400m event for fillies and mares and has a decent field of 15 vying for the R250000 prize. In stark contrast, the Chairman's Cup, with the same prizemoney but contested over a marathon 3200m, has attracted just six hardy campaigners.

Owners are opting for speed and precocity, which is a shame as there's something very compelling about good stayers battling it out in a true test of endurance.

In the Prix Du Cap lineup a filly called Cuvee Brut immediately fizzes up. But there's more to recommend her than an apt name. She has been a very consistent runner for trainer Brett Crawford, winning four times and only twice finishing out of the prize money in 11 outings.

Cuvee Brut's form line also shows some spirited efforts against big-name opposition, such as Majmu and Carry On Alice. Throw in the fact that she jumps from gate No 2 and has Anton Marcus in the irons and one is tempted to start popping corks prematurely.

Three-year-old Supercilious from Joe Ramsden's stable is an improving sort that could upset off a light weight and the inside draw.

A favourite aphorism of the tipster is "the smaller the field the bigger the upset". So, in contemplating the six nags contesting the Chairman's Cup, the eye keeps wandering to Three Balloons, with 33-1 printed beside his daft name and uninspiring merit rating.

Could he beat warm favourite Coltrane, winner of this race last year? Probably not.

Nonetheless, Three Balloons, who only broke his maiden at the 10th attempt, is clearly an improver with three wins in his last six efforts. His breeding suggests a marathon runner's heart and with a 7.5kg advantage over Coltrane he's worth chucking into an exacta.

Champion jockey Gavin Lerena heads off for a riding stint in Hong Kong on Sunday. I'm hoping to give him a farewell present at Turffontein tomorrow: Duzi Moon, Race 2.