Top 3yo’s Main Defender and Sandringham Summit are set to clash in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
There is a quartet carryover of R250 000 on the race. The projected pool is R750 000.
Michele Wing previews the race.
Trainer / Jockey Comments
- MAIN DEFENDER : “His work back home has been really good. He did a nice gallop over 1200m … it would have brought him on perfectly. Lovely to be drawn closer to the inside. I think it’s a really good field, but we believe in him and looking forward to riding him on Saturday”, Calvin Habib.
- SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT : “His recovery (from the WSB Guineas) was quick and good from that race. His training sessions have gone well into this race. This Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge has attracted a powerful field of group winning horses, making it one of the best races of the season. We expect another first-class performance”, David Nieuwenhuizen.
- LUCKY LAD : “He has taken his last run very well, even though this is a quick turnaround. He’s done everything right this week and we’re hoping for a big run again. Obviously a very deep draw and a strong field, but we expect him to be running on strongly”, Sean Tarry.
- SEE IT AGAIN : “He is doing very well at home and I am very happy. It’s a very competitive race on Saturday. Unfortunately, we haven’t got the best of draws, but I still expect a very good showing from him. This is probably a bit on the short side for him and I expect good improvement from him in going forward”, Michael Roberts.
- SNOW PILOT : “He’s a character and a tank of a horse. I’ve gone hard on him. He’s doing the work of the other horses, but it’s not enough for him. Its testament to the individual. He’s coming in fit and ready. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him win … a horse you have to respect, but a very tough field”, Justin Snaith.
- DAVE THE KING : “He’s definitely got stronger mentally and physically. I personally think the mile is his best. He’s a big striding horse … he’s tough. He can go just about anywhere and give a good account of himself”, Craig Zackey who rode him in his last race.
- COUSIN CASEY : “He was unlucky not to have won the Drill Hall. He’s taken that run very well and his preparation has gone exceptionally well. Great draw of 2 and S’Managa Khumalo retains the ride. I do expect him to give a massive run. I’m mindful that this is a very tough race. It’s one of the strongest renewals I’ve seen in the last few years. Whilst we’re up against it, he’s ready for it”, Sean Tarry.
- ROYAL AUSSIE : “He’s a gutsy horse and a fantastic miler. Unfortunately, we’ve had a hiccup and he’s a doubtful starter. He’s picked up a bug. He’s fine, but certainly not what you want happen in the week of a group 1. His welfare comes first, so if we feel like we’re going to scratch him, we may just do that”, Justin Snaith.
Enjoy the preview show:
