Geoff Woodruff is the man of the moment when it comes to the R2 million Gr1 Sansui Summer Cup. The Guv goes for a fourth successive win in Joburg’s big one and certainly looks to have the firepower to achieve his goal.
His four-pronged attack is headed by last year’s winner and runner-up.
Flashback to 2015 – Master Sabina and stablemate Deo Juvente are both back for more
The dramatic finish to the 2015 Summer Cup will be vividly etched in many racing fan’s minds.
A bump or two had the connections of Deo Juvente in the Stipes’ Boardroom after Master Sabina had shaded his stablemate in the dying strides of a cliffhanger.
The result stood and life went on – with neither of the two having won a race in the ensuing twelve months .
Anton Marcus – opts for Deo Juvente
With Anton Marcus taking over from Sean Cormack, there will be many who favour the younger Deo Juvente.
The son of Trippi had his Cape Summer campaign derailed by an injury but two prep runs this term have shown that he has never been better.
We particularly enjoyed his storming run when beaten under a length back in third in the Charity Mile.
Master Sabina was rested three months after his 4 lengths fifth to Enaad in the Gold Cup.
He showed improved fitness and resolve when chasing stablemate Master Switch home in a Vaal 1800m handicap.
The latter-mentioned Master Switch runs here but has an awful draw to contend with.
Master ‘N Commander is the fourth of the Woodruff quartet. He has drawn very wide and was disappointing when showing pace to fade 8,40 lengths back in the Victory Moon Stakes.
Sean Tarry enjoyed a terrific day on Saturday and Sunday and comes to the party with a competitive trio.
Heading his challenge is the SP top-rated Jubilee Handicap winner Liege.
Trainer Sean Tarry – Liege could be his best
The son of Dynasty looked dangerous late in the Victory Moon when only run out of it late by Bezanova. He is drawn on the wrong side of midfield but appears to be improving.
Samurai Blade has been touted by many as the right horse at the right time.
While only ever a maiden winner, the son of Where’s That Tiger has done enough to suggest he will be competitive.
Throw in his good draw, handy galloping weight and fitness and he must go into calculations.
Algoa Cup winner Stonehenge wasn’t as lucky with the draw but showed his wellbeing with a solid win at MR 93 Handicap lever two weeks back. He looks the likely pacemaker.
One day it is all going to go Judicial’s way!
Tyrone Zackey’s Miesque’s Approval soldier would not be winning this Gr1 out of turn.
Judicial – big effort expected at best
As a 6yo, one would feel that this is his last serious big bid at a race that he has already attempted twice – with distinction.
He ran third 3 lengths off Triple Crown winner Louis The King in 2014, and last year flew up to be beaten just 1,10 lengths into fourth behind Master Sabina.
He is marginally better off this year with both Deo Juvente and Master Sabina and with a nice draw and Karl Zechner up, he really looks a serious possibility – and his prep has been good.
Joey Ramsden’s St Tropez is drawn against the paint and has a handy 52kg galloping weight.
The son of Silvano has not won in over a year and hit a brick wall when moving up like a winner in the Charity Mile. He faded to 6,50 lengths off there.
Do we really give him one more chance?
We’d rather side with his July winning stablemate The Conglomerate, who, while widely drawn, reunites with Piere Strydom and suddenly looks to be a serious runner. Both of his preps were quiet efforts over too short.
Mogok Master – first try at 2000m
Lightly raced 4yo Mogok Master failed in his step up to a mile in the Charity Mile but may be worth another chance.
It is interesting to note that he gets the blinkers in his first sortie at 2000m.
Gr1 Gold Challenge victor Mac De Lago carries top weight and can be expected to improve on his 7 lengths behind New Predator in the Charity Mile. That came after a four month break and his fitness levels are bound to improve.
Mac De Lago has plenty to do
He has a big task if one considers he ran fifth in this race in 2015 when 1,60 lengths adrift of Master Sabina.
Mac De Lago received a kilo there and now has to give the Woodruff runner 4kgs. That sounds a tough ask!
Gareth Van Zyl’s No Worries didn’t run his best race in the Charity Mile when a rather disappointing 12,50 lengths back. He did take a bump early on but as a seasoned warrior, that should not have affected his chances adversely.
The 7yo has a knack of rising to the big occasions, so don’t leave him out of quartet calculations.
Stan Ferreira saddles the only filly in the race.
Gr1 winner Juxtapose – only filly in the race
Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and SA Oaks victress Juxtapose takes on the boys after what looks to be two perfect prep runs over shorter.
The daughter of Judpot stays well, has a massive heart and has a natty turn of foot – all factors in her favour in this hard knocks contest.
Duncan Howells is back for more with his hard-knocking pair of Charity Mile runner-up Saratoga Dancer and the Australian-bred Ten Gun Salute.
Saratoga Dancer is overdue to win a decent race as his recent up-close finishes, culminating in his Charity Mile second will attest.
Ten Gun Salute is not far behind and will enjoy the trip.
Irish Pride – could be the dark horse
Grand Heritage winner Irish Pride has pulled the worst of the draw and while that is a negative, Randall Simons may be able to pull some tactical magic out of the hat by dropping him out and running at them late – as is the 4yo gelding’s style.
He steps up to the 2000m for the first time and there is every indication that he will stay the trip.
He was not disgraced when finishing well for fourth in the Charity Mile and looks a reasonable value bet off the 52kg mark.
The 8yo Punta Arenas has his first run in Gauteng at his 45th career outing. This hard-as-nails son of Silvano won the Consolation July last term and showed up nicely in a too short 1400m prep at Scottsville last time.
He is right up with the best on his day, but at 8 years of age doesn’t strike us as a likely Summer Cup winner.
Bankable Teddy – looking to regroup after last disappointment
Derby Trial winner Bankable Teddy has pulled an awful 19 draw and ran below expectations when 4,60 lengths off Bezanova in the Victory Moon Stakes. He appeared to have every chance and just failed to kick when it counted.
Brian Wiid holds the Bankable 4yo in high regards, and on previous form there is not much between him and Liege if things go his way.
Romany Prince failed to build on his improved Jubilee Handicap third when 9,75 lengths back in the Charity Mile.
The son of Kahal may well have needed that after a five month break but also has to be a wide draw here.
In typical handicap fashion, the race is wide open and can be won by any of the twenty if things go to plan, with some luck.
Deo Juvente and Master Sabina stand out to give Geoff Woodruff his fourth Summer Cup.
But underestimating the likes of Saratoga Dancer and The Conglomerate could end in tears.
