The ruling Jonsson Workwear Gr1Computaform Sprint favourite Master Archie was withdrawn from the big Turffontein speed contest this morning.
The defending champion and 17/10 favourite at the time of his scratching was taken out the race at 07h25 by trainer Tony Peter with a bruised off fore front.
He is currently rated the best sprinter in the country so it is a major disappointment for fans and throws the projected R7 million Pick 6 open.
However, the best sprinting filly in the land, Princess Calla, is presented with a golden opportunity to land the big prize. The Sean Tarry trained charge is now the ante post favourite at 17/10. KZN Raider Isivunguvungu and Sheela are now quoted as next best at 11/2.
Princess Calla – big chance to register her second Gr1 success today! (Pic – JC Photos)
The WSB Championships Finale takes place at Turffontein today with the Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint and Gr1 WSB Premier’s Champions Challenge headlining the seven Graded race menu on an exciting ten-race programme.
The first is due off at 11h50.
Shangani from the in-form stable of Tony Peter takes his place in the Gr3 WSB Gold Bowl. He moved up like a winner in the Gr3 WSB Caradoc Gold Cup last time, fought hard but found one too good in the form of Nebraas.
Shangani – peak run today (Pic – JC Photos)
He won his only attempt over this distance, three runs ago. The son of Soft Falling Rain is having his peak run and will be cherry-ripe. Despite giving a lot of weight to the other runners, he should take a power of beating.
Trainer Alec Laird saddles Billy Bowlegs in the Gr1 WSB Premier’s Champions Challenge. He did not enjoy the slow pace in the Gr1 WSB SA Derby last time. He jumped inwards leaving the starting stalls, settled at the rear of the field and finished off his race strongly. The 2000m should be right up his alley.
He jumps from a handy draw of five and with Gavin Lerena retaining the ride, he can go one better.
Please note that Marco van Rensburg is not riding today.
| Weather | Partly cloudy with 30% of showers & thunderstorms, 14-27 degs. 11-33km/h Westerly Head wind. Sunset @ 5:40pm | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | Last 24 Hours: 0,7mm | Last 7 Days: 0,7mm | |
| Irrigation | Last 24 Hours: Nil | Last 7 Days: 24mm | |
| Penetrometer Reading | 21 | ||
| Track Condition | Good | ||
| False Rail | Zero on the back straight to 6m on the bend with a 6m spur at the 700m mark | ||
- The Bipot starts in the second race at 12h20
- The Place Accumulator starts in the third race at 12h55
- The Pick 6 starts in the fourth race at 13h30
- The first Jackpot starts in the fifth race at 14h10
- The second Jackpot starts in the seventh race at 15h20
