The Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Fillies Guineas and the Grade 2 TAB Gauteng Guineas kick off the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara and the TAB SA Triple Crown respectively on a quality card on Turffontein’s standside track on Saturday.
Trainer David Nieuwenhuizen’s star Sandringham Summit makes a welcome return to the track in the Gauteng Guineas.
He now competes in the silks of Varsfontein Stud after being syndicated for stud following a third behind Robyn Klaasen’s Purple Pitcher in the Grade 2 Jonsson Workwear Dingaans.
Purple Pitcher – ready to make it 6 on the trot (Pic – JC Photos)
They meet again at level weights and Purple Pitcher seeks a sixth successive win, but Sandringham Summit was cramped and had to be steadied in the Dingaans.
A much closer contest is expected this time. Respect William Iron Arm, who could be dangerous if tuned up after a long absence.
The Fillies Guineas is an equally cracking race in which Mike de Kock saddles unbeaten Gimme A Nother and his Cape Guineas runner-up Silver Sanctuary.
He also has promising Champagne Cocktail in a race that is sure to have fans on their feet.
Earlier in the day jockey Gavin Lerena has an excellent chance of landing his 10th victory on trainer Fabian Habib’s charge Zeus. This formidable stayer looks a good banker in the first leg of the carryover Pick 6.
A lot of players will be leaning on Zeus! (Pic – JC Photos)
Last weekend’s TAB carryover Pick 6 on the WSB Cape Town Met meeting paid in excess of R585,000 to 14 winners, but more punters could share in the payout at Turffontein this Saturday when a R500,000 carryover is set to generate a projected pool of R3 million.
This is the start of 4Racing’s 2024 The Championships Season, a thrilling four-part extravaganza, and includes the first legs of the highly anticipated 2024 TAB SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara.
And Zeus should get punters over the first Pick 6 hurdle in style.
First is off at 12h00.
