The WSB Grand Heritage, which is contested on the Vaal card this afternoon, has always been viewed as a unique event for two reasons.
Firstly, it is the only race open to a field of 28 horses and secondly, along with the Heritage Consolation, it is run over the exclusive distance of 1475m.
Irish Pride (Gavin Lerena) wins the inaugural Grand Heritage in 2016 (Pic – JC Photos)
This year, however, only 17 horses accepted to run but this is good news for punters. There is a R1-million kick-starting the Pick 6 with the pool expected to reach R5 million.
With fewer runners in the WSB Grand Heritage, this bet will be simpler to catch.
The Grand Heritage is one of three Non-Black Type features on the card – the others are the Heritage Consolation and the WSB Sophomore 1000 for three-year-olds over 1000m.
Playwright Oscar Wilde’s equine namesake runs in the Grand Heritage and bookmakers have priced him up as the 7-2 favourite.
So, if he does lose, cast the first stone in their direction.
Even though Oscar Wilde is 1.5kg out of kilter with most of the other runners, Mike de Kock’s charge is the one to beat. This son of Dynasty does have ability, but he also seems to have his issues.
The four-year-old gelding has raced just six times for two wins, two places and two fifths. He won on debut in November last year but then was not see again until August. He was also gelded in this off period.
Oscar Wilde – p[riced as top choice by Bookies (Pic – JC Photos)
In his penultimate start, over 1600m up the Vaal straight and his first in blinkers, Oscar Wilde was caught quite late and went down 1.50 lengths to War Jewel. There were excuses, he hung in and then cast a shoe in running.
He could be better than his merit rating of 82 suggests and he will be carrying just 52kg. Callan Murray takes the ride.
Corne Spies has his runners in good form and he sends out What You Are. She was rated as high as 109 at one stage but lost her form and is currently running off a merit rating of 93. PIere Strydom has ridden her in three of her last four starts and she has placed in all three.
Her last start, when a 0.75-length second behind Fire And Ice in a Graduation Plate over 1200m, was most encouraging and this daughter of Captain All looks to be peaking at the right time.
Strydom is back on board although the one concern could be that she jumps from No 1 draw. Depending on where the good going is, that could work either for her or against her.
Other horses with decent chances are Expressfromtheus, Rouge Allure and Full Mast.
The Grand Heritage is off at 16h20.
- Tabnews
