The champion brains trust of trainer Dean Kannemeyer and leading owner Fred Crabbia have set their sights on Turffontein and a bid for Gr1 Summer Cup glory on Saturday 1 December.
It’s My Turn wins the Gold Cup (Pic – Candiese Marnewick / Gold Circle)
The bold exploits of SA Champion Stayer It’s My Turn last season suggest that they have found the perfect horse to go to war with.
Visitors aren’t a regular feature of the Summer Cup. That despite the fact that Phumelela foot the travel costs and 40% of the field are guaranteed at least a R10 000 cheque.
The last ‘visitor’ to win Johannesburg’s big race was the Dylan Cunha-trained Australian-bred Strategic News who stormed home under Glyn Schofield way back in 2007.
Dean Kanemeyer – eye on the big one
“Owner Fred (Crabbia) and I have discussed the Summer Cup as a possible target for It’s My Turn. He spent a month at Far End with Jane Thomas after the Gold Cup and he is back at Summerveld. He is looking a million dollars and has lost none of his muscle tone,” confirmed Dean Kannemeyer in a chat with the Sporting Post Digest today.
Kannemeyer’s last Summer Cup bid was with his July winner Power King, who ran sixth and just over 3 lengths off Master Sabina in the 2015 renewal.
“It’s My Turn will likely have two Pinnacle Stakes type prep runs – probably over trips short of his best, at home in KZN, before travelling up by road the day before the big race,”added Dean.
We asked him about the Turffontein 2000m and whether the possible lack of pace could be a factor.
“It’s My Turn won the Cape Derby but 2000m is probably marginally short of his best. He is extremely effective from 2400m upwards. But it is certainly worth taking our chances, given the fact that he doesn’t have high mileage on the clock and is in prime condition . As regards the pace, Anton Marcus has brought the best out of It’s My Turn’s versatility and he can sit off them or go right up there. That makes things easier and gives us more options.”
Fred Crabbia – happy owner
The R1 million incentive offered by Phumelela to win the Summer Cup and the Sun Met has not really crossed the connection’s minds.
“I never say never, but that is no easy ask! In It’s My Turn’s case we are talking about three provinces and two Gr1’s in eight weeks. He would go from KZN to Gauteng to KZN to the Cape. Look, if you had asked me if he could win three top staying races in five weeks, I would have probably been cautious. But he did it. He is a lovely big-hearted son of Dynasty. Who knows what the season holds?” said Dean.
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