The 2014 Winter Series for the best three year olds in the Western Cape again promises to provide a platform for emergent stars building their racing careers.
Thoroughbred legends, Pocket Power (who uniquely won all three legs) and Winter Solstice (pipped by stablemate Set To Music in the Derby after winning the first two legs) used these races as a foundation, before going on to cement Champion status as they matured.
The well- spaced, Grade 3 races over increasing distances of 1600m, 1800m and 2400m are a test of classic ability, culminating in an examination of endurance in the Winter Derby.
The R1 MILLION Winter Series for three year old Colts and Geldings comprises:
Leg 1: R250 000 Tekkie Town Winter Guineas(Grade 3) 1600m, 4 May 2014
Leg 2: R250 000 Mbokodo Awards Winter Classic (Grade 3) 1800m, 31 May 2014
Leg 3: R250 000 Winter Derby,(Grade 3) 2400m, 28 June 2014
A BONUS OF R250,000 WILL BE PAID TO OWNER/S OF THE HORSE THAT WINS ALL THREE LEGS OF THE WINTER SERIES.
Last year, Readytogorightnow, King Of Pain, Ze Kaiser, Awesome Power and Gifted For Glory were the main protagonists and they’ve since run credibly at a high level in prestigious feature contests.
Stables sometimes prefer to campaign progressive fillies in the softer going at the Cape, with really good sorts coming to the fore during the Winter.
In 2013, the high class filly, Blueridgemountain successfully used the Sweet Chestnut Stakes as a stepping stone before contesting Grade 1 races elsewhere. The Fillies Series will be held on the same dates as the colts/gelding version but over different distances.
The R600 000 Winter Series for three year old Fillies comprises:
Leg 1: R150 000 Sweet Chestnut Stakes (Listed) 1400m, 4 May 2014
Leg 2: R150 000 Stormsvlei Mile (Listed) 1600m, 31 May 2014
Leg 3: R150 000 Winter Oaks (Listed) 2200m, 28 June 2014
A BONUS OF R150,000 WILL BE PAID TO OWNER/S OF THE HORSE THAT WINS ALL THREE LEGS OF THE WINTER SERIES
With the 1st Leg, Tekkie Town Winter Guineas just around the corner, racing enthusiasts are invited to warm away those winter blues and join us in the Somerset Room, receiving a welcoming glass of sherry and an Italian buffet @ R200 per person. To reserve your table contact Racecourse Caterers on (021) 797 6037.