Who Scared The Opposition Away?

The Gr1 Daily News 2000 to be run at Greyville on Saturday 1 June has attracted a high quality entry of only eight 3yo’s.

The De Kock star Hawwaam (Pic – JC Photos)

The prestigious feature looks likely to be dominated by Mike de Kock, who last won the race in 2013 with present day exciting sire Vercingetorix, and who holds three of the eight tickets.

The De Kock pair of recent Premier’s Champions Challenge runaway winner Hawwaam and Horse Chestnut Stakes victor Soqrat head the tables off a 121 rating.

Next is Joey Ramsden’s recent KRA Guineas winner Twist Of Fate, who could relish the 2000m at Greyville.

While the presence of the power players is thought to have frightened off much of the opposition, it has also been suggested that the recent relaxation of the handicapping guidelines by the NHA has left owners of the more modestly rated horses fearful of risking a possible once off ‘out-of-the-skin’ effort that could see them lumbered with a premium rating.

The fairer sex equivalent has attracted an entry of twelve, with Cape challengers Front And Centre and recent KRA Fillies Guineas winner Santa Clara joint top-rated on 112.

Cape Fillies Guineas winner Front And Centre (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)

Sean Tarry’s SA Oaks winner Return Flight, who is in the form of her life, should be an interesting challenger to the top duo.