A repeat of history and a fairer sex double could be on the cards in Saturday’s R2 million World Sports Betting presents the Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup at Turffontein.
It was as recent as 2010 that Flirtation won the big one under Randall Simons and St John Gray’s superstar Dancewiththedevil followed up the following year under Gavin Lerena.
In a Covid-ravaged 2020, Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy celebrated as their dream came true at a deserted Turffontein on the back of the gallant champion Summer Pudding.
Roy and Rose lead in their superstar with Muzi saluting (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
On Saturday, the vaccinated limited crowds are back and there are three roses amongst the thorns. If we had to pick a popular winner from War Of Athena, Sparkling Water and Seehaam, it would have to be the first mentioned – with all respect to the connections of the others.
The unfashionably bred – hey, that tag adds to the romance of the story – Act Of War filly already entered her name into our history books last season when she became the fourth winner of the prestigious SA Triple Tiara.
On Saturday she wears the mantle of race favourite and takes on the boys for only the second time in her career.
Co-owner Dr Rose Waterman-Wentzel told the Sporting Post that both trainer Paul Matchett and jockey Muzi Yeni are ‘very, very happy’ with Athena.
“That is not really surprising. Athena is just amazing really and apparently gliding over the ground,” says Dr Rose, as she beams with pride over her star galloper.
“We are all very respectful of the fact there are some absolute stars, household names, and talent lining up against us – but we all are expecting Athena to run as she always does, full of heart and courage. She has been described by a very well known overseas gentleman as being a ‘consummate professional’ and that really does sum her up!”
The passionate owner added that both her and husband Roy are ‘obviously a bit nervous’.
“Whatever happens, I know Roy will need his Scotch after the race!” she laughs.
The Wentzels also have their speed merchant Battle Force running in the World Sports Betting Gr3 Merchants a few hours earlier.
“Battle is in a brilliant place too and while we are again respectful of our competition we are also confident of a really good run from him. What would be very nice is for both Battle and Athena to win – if that is not too rude or greedy! But it’s all in the lap of the Gods and we love them win, lose or draw! It should be a wonderful day’s racing,” she concluded.
Already boasting earnings of close on R2 million – her Tiara bonus excluded – War Of Athena caught the eye of the Wentzels when they saw the video sent out by breeder Summerhill Stud prior to the Ready To Run Sale.
“We went to the sale and they showed the videos again. We looked at various horses but the thing that caught our eye was her action,” explained Roy.
“When we went to look at her, she had quite a deep cut on her shoulder. That may have chased a few people away and also, she was not the most striking horse. I opened the bidding at R20 000 and got her for R30 000.”
The rest is history in progress. Roll on Saturday!
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