Despite the excellent cause and underlying goodwill of today’s big day at Turffontein, there will be no handouts for punters when it comes to the R1 million Peermont Emperors Palace Gr2 Charity Mile.
History shows that the past four winners arrived at double digit odds – and the fascinating handicap could well dish up another curved ball this time round.
Flashback – Royal Zulu Warrior caused an upset in 2013
A capacity field of up-and-coming 4yo’s mingled with some top league hardknockers muddle the picture where a good few are aiming for slightly bigger things in the forthcoming Gr1 Sansui Summer Cup.
That said, they will all be out trying for their lives and beware history’s warning of a possible bolt from the blue.
Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren has a strong coupling representing each end of the weight scale and after his cracking Saturday at the Vaal for the inaugural Grand Heritage, he will be wanting to show he can do what’s required on the big stage.
Can Grand Heritage hero Irish Pride make it three in a row?
He saddles the Grand Heritage winner Irish Pride, who comes in fit after two wins on the trot.
The son of Ideal World looks an attractive proposition on the 52,5kg mark and were it not for his wide gate, would have been a decent bet option.
He stayed on in a modest MR 85 Handicap at his only previous attempt at a mile, but is bred for this stretch and his relaxed racing style means that there are options to overcome the draw.
Gavin Lerena (due to the weight?) teams up with Irish Pride’s Drill Hall Stakes winning stablemate New Predator.
New Predator – proven class in the coupling
The son of New Approach finished 3,80 lengths behind Mac De Lago in the Gold Challenge and now meets Marwing’s topweight on 2kgs better terms.
If one considers how he escaped his field in the Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes, only to be caught late, it makes him a danger with the same pilot aboard here.
Topweighted Gold Challenge winner Mac De Lago is back on home turf and as one of only two Gr1 winners in the field, warrants respect.
Gr1 Gold Challenge winner Mac De Lago has some weight to carry!
He looks held though at the weights by Joey Ramsden’s July winner The Conglomerate – but the latter ran a very flat race in the Joburg Spring Challenge.
He will prefer this trip and will strip a fitter horse.
His stablemate St Tropez ran handily in the Joburg Spring Challenge and is better drawn than the July winner. The son of Silvano has proven largely disappointing when called up to deliver but is never far off and could surprise.
The fact that Anton Marcus goes with Rabada does throw some doubt on the Ramsden pair though.
Sean Tarry has two carded runners with S’manga Khumalo taking the ride on the only filly in the event in the Kahal, Intergalactic.
This three-time winner looks to have a few lengths to make up on the boys at these weights.
Bulleting Home is a decent sort on his day but even though 2kgs better off with Irish Pride from the Grand Heritage, looks held.
The lightly raced Mogok Master gets the services of Anthony Delpech
The lightly raced Mogok Master makes for some interesting debate.
The 4yo missed most of his 3yo career due to a suspension for his trainer’s misdemeanour over a testosterone positive. He showed top-class promise as a 2yo.
He returned to race action on 10 September and impressed when walloping the promising Africa Rising over 1450m at Turffontein. There will be concerns that this major test coincides with his second run after a rest.
Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner Rabada has moved from the Mike Azzie yard to Brett Crawford and has his first run since a surprise defeat by No Worries in the KZN Breeders Million Mile.
Gr1 winner Rabada – a long rest, wide draw and he has changed stables
The son of Brave Tin Soldier is top class on his day but his 17 draw is a blow – even if one considers that the long Turffontein run-in gives most a fair chance.
Anton Marcus, who has ridden him at all of his 9 starts is aboard again.
Duncan Howells saddles the consistent pairing of Saratoga Dancer and the July placer Ten Gun Salute.
Howells’ Sartoga Dancer has the ability to step up and surprise
They have followed a similar prep post the July with Ten Gun Salute faring the better when staying on for third behind Humidor in an MR 100 Handicap on the poly.
They are both better on the turf and there can’t be much between them.
Our personality of the week Gareth Van Zyl made a flying start to his training career with a scintillating double at Greyville last Friday evening.
Gareth Van Zyl will have ‘No Worries’ on the big day
He saddles the evergreen soldier No Worries, who runs from a 3 draw with Warren Kennedy up.
The son of Kahal is in prime trim with 2 wins and four thirds at his last six starts.
His Gr1 placing behind Marinaresco at his penultimate start was an indicator of his class and he must be a threat if reproducing his best.
Last year’s Sansui Summer Cup runner-up Deo Juvente is well drawn at 2 but his recent form is less than inspiring.
The son of Trippi ran a fair 4,80 length fifth in his season opener in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge and could be a surprise package if getting back to something like his better form.
Champagne Haze is improving fast – include this one
Gary Alexander’s Kahal gelding Champagne Haze – a half brother to the champion Pierre Jourdan – had his first run as a 4yo after a nice rest when showing some enthusiastic pace before being outgunned late for a 2,70 length fourth to stablemate Kangaroo Jack in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge.
He ran a cracking second to Triple Crown star Abashiri in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas eight months ago and will strip a fitter horse over a distance he will enjoy.
The ill-fated Kahal is also represented by the Ormond Ferraris-trained Romany Prince, a winner of 3 of his 14 starts.
The Listed Drum Star Handicap winner ran on well for third behind Liege in the Gr3 Jubilee Handicap, but returns from a 20 week break and is terribly drawn in the city centre of Joburg!
Captain Aldo is drawn wide out and had failed to produce a decent effort for some time now. He would be a surprise winner.
You have been warned!
The stats show that just about anything can win – and it’s a handicap with plenty of class and depth – beyond the progressive brigade.
We are going with Irish Pride to make it a hat-trick and maintain his climb up the ladder.
He is the choice to hold Champagne Haze, New Predator and the always gutsy Rabada.
Mogok Master must be included in bigger perms.
