Since its inception, the Gold Challenge has been won by no less than ten July winners and Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge Raceday is bound to inject a thrilling dose of excitement in the countdown to 5 July.
Michelle Wing says this is going to be one ‘top race’ and enjoy her top-class preview:
Here’s what the trainers have to say…
2. Dave The King: “Every time you work him, you hold your breath that there’s no reoccurrence of the issues we’ve had with him, but right now everything is good”, Mike de Kock.
3. See It Again: “He’s doing well, but remember this is a stepping-stone to the Hollywoodbets Durban July”, Michael Roberts.
5. Cosmic Speed: “His preparation has gone smoothly. He’ll be in top shape for the race”, Sean Tarry.
7. Great Plains: “He’ll be one of the horses in the fight. It will not surprise me to see him run close”, Justin Snaith.
9. Oriental Charm: “He’s in fine fettle. This is a prep race for ‘the July’ and ‘Champions Cup’”, James Crawford.
8. Gladatorian: “We are going in quietly confident again. The 1600 is not an issue”, Stuart Ferrie.
1. William Robertson: “He’s really well for this race. Blessed to have the number 1 draw. He should see out the 1600m easily”, Corne Spies.
11. Montien: “We have 11 draw and hope that the pace will be strong, to allow him to filter in”, Piet Botha.
6. Café Culture: “I’ve always thought he would get the mile. Trying it again as a 5 year old in a grade 1 is quite an ask, but he’s up to it”, Lucinda Woodruff.
10. Royal Aussie: “If we’ve got him back to his best, he’s a horse for quartets and trifectas”, Justin Snaith.
4. Fire ‘N Flames: “I think he’s suited to the 1600m. Whether he’s good enough, we’ll see Saturday afternoon”, Kobus Roux.
12. Purple Pitcher: “This is his last prep run going into ‘the July”. Although he has a very unfortunate draw, I would like to see him finish off strongly”, Robyn Klaasen.
