Rev up your excitement for an electrifying Saturday at Turffontein as we delve into the Summer Cup betting scene. Our expert picks serve as your passport to a thrilling and potentially lucrative race day. Let the strategic journey to success begin!
Summer Cup – Turffontein (Saturday)
Race 1 – Proceed
Proceed, the strong favourite for the opening race emerges from the esteemed Sean Tarry stable as the offspring of Gimmethegreenlight. With the skilled Richard Fourie in the saddle, this talented contender, unless in need of the run, looms as a significant threat. Brace yourself for an electrifying performance from Proceed in the upcoming race.
Race 2 – Dual Prophecy
In this race, Dual Prophecy stands out as the undeniable favourite. His debut run over this course and distance caught the eye, positioning him as a top contender. As the son of Twice Over, his strong betting support on that day indicates promising work at home. Having likely benefited from that initial run, and with the anticipated natural improvement, Dual Prophecy, guided by jockey Craig Zackey, emerges as the horse to beat in this upcoming competition.
Race 4 – Dyce
With Craig Zackey at the reins, DYCE strides into the race as a dual winner in his last two starts, triumphing notably in the Listed Golden Loom Handicap. A sprinting specialist at 5 years old, he stands as a formidable contender. Should the frontrunner stumble, Dyce is strategically positioned to capitalize, seizing the opportunity and aiming for another victory in the upcoming race.
Race 5 – Gimme A Nother
Gimme A Nother is unbeaten from two starts to date. She strategically raced from a handy position over this course and distance last time, exhibiting a strong kick and drawing off in the latter stages. Despite facing her toughest test yet, the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight showcases considerable class. As the stable’s top choice, with Juan-Paul van der Merwe in the saddle and a favourable draw of four, she appears well-positioned to maintain her unbeaten record.
Race 6 – Purple Pitcher
Purple Pitcher Raises the Stakes. Sandringham Summit at 5/10 appears too short a favourite, especially with the presence of the top-class horse in this race. Purple Pitcher, triumphant in his last four starts, dictated the pace over 1800m on this course in the previous outing and showcased an extra burst where it mattered most. While facing his most challenging test to date, his undeniable class positions him as a serious threat in this competition.
Race 7 – Puerto Manzano
A masterful ride propelled Puerto Manzano to victory in the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode – Onamission Charity Mile. Meticulously prepared for this race, he enters at the peak of fitness. With a track record boasting seven out of ten career victories on this course, including last year’s triumph in this very race, Puerto Manzano is a force to be reckoned with. Expect him to strategically position himself towards the rear from a wide draw, ready to unleash a potent surge under the expert guidance of Gavin Lerena and overtake the frontrunners.
Race 8 – Nebraas
Nebraas is the popular pick for this race, and the reasons are evident. He displayed signs of improvement in his last two starts, notably in the Grade 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes, the form of which has been consistently confirmed. With two victories and a third-place finish from five starts over this distance, Nebraas has a strong track record. Richard Fourie, under whom he secured his last victory, is in the saddle once again. If Nebraas brings his A-game, a return to the winner’s circle seems highly plausible.
Race 10 – Weather Wizard
Weather Wizard showcased impressive form, securing his maiden victory on the second attempt. Racing prominently, he unleashed a strong kick and won with ease. As the son of Rafeef, the rise to 1800m poses no concerns. While facing tougher competition, his favourable galloping mass of 52.5kgs positions him well for the challenge. With ample potential and indications of being above average, Weather Wizard appears ready for the task at hand.