There are a few benefits at stake beyond the R156 250 first cheque in Saturday’s Gr3 Cup Trial.
One is a guaranteed run in the Champions Cup on Saturday 27 July at Greyville. The other is a ‘preferential consideration’ ticket into the Vodacom Durban July.
While there is still time – final supplementary entries close at an outlay of a non refundable R25 300 on 18 June for the July – six of the ten runners on Saturday are in the 32 still in line to make the final field of twenty – including two reserves – for the big race on 6 July.
A rear view of Doublemint? That could be what the opposition could see on Saturday! (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Snaith’s Doublemint may just have needed the run in the WSB 1900 when leading late and being overcome by a tsunami led by Eyes Wide Open. Doublemint ran seventh but beaten just over a length. He will be much readier here.
Listed Jet Master Stakes winner Run Red is another son of Twice Over hoping to make the July cut. He won two good races before running a bit freely in his last start at home when fading to fourth behind Kenny Trix.
A decent sort – Run Red wins the Jet Master Stakes in February (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Another July possible, Roy Had Enough ran on best behind Orpheus in the highly debated Listed Sledgehammer last time out. The son of Pierro pulled up lame and made respiratory noises when beaten 5 lengths in the Summer Cup. He is no slouch.
Second of the Nel duo, Kampala Campari was beaten 4 lengths in the Sun Met and was in need of it when showing pace but fading in the 1900. There is not much between him and Doublemint on the Peninsula Handicap form.
Byerley Turk winner Tristful – highly regarded y connections (Pic- Candiese Marnewick)
The only 3yo in the field, Byerley Turk winner Tristful had no luck in the KRA Guineas when beaten 7,25 lengths by Twist Of Fate. He will need to confirm his form against the seasoned hardknockers.
The WSB 1900 winner Eyes Wide Open sprung into July contention to tenth position on the big race log published earlier this week. A change in the programme saw Glen Kotzen deciding to go this route and the class act would not be a surprise repeat winner now that his medical issues are behind him.
Eyes on happy days ahead! After the WSB 1900, Eyes Wide Open could follow up on Saturday (Pic- Candiese Marnewick)
Kings Cup winner Dark Moon Rising was beaten 5,25 lengths by Hawwaam in the Premiers Champions Challenge and, back home, this may be more his game.
Made To Conquer ran a cracker when third in the WSB 1900 last time. The 2018 July runner-up looks on track for a perfect big race prep with Mark Khan already engaged to ride him.
The Tarry pair of Social Order and Silver God appear to have lost their better form – although, we will say again that underestimating this yard is not advisable.
Doublemint looks worth another chance, but with the smart Eyes Wide Open back to best it won’t be a straightforward hurdle. Roy Had Enough presents as the likely danger.
