South Africa’s racing season wraps up with a bang on World Pool Gold Cup Day, featuring four Grade 1 races and the Grade 3 Gold Cup at Greyville on July 27.
The spotlight is on the Gr1 HKJC Champions Cup (1800m), where Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince aims for a double. He faces tough competition from Dave The King, last year’s winner, who is following the same prep path with the De Kock team. The Real Prince will appreciate the shorter trip, while Dave The King returns fresh after a solid run in the Gold Challenge.
See It Again, gelded and scratched from the July, has placed in his last two runs in this race and could be a threat again. Royal Victory, a strong July finisher, gets veteran Piere Strydom aboard with regular rider Yeni suspended. Montien, trained by Piet Botha, hasn’t shown top form in KZN but boasts high-class Cape form and could surprise.
The day opens with the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes for juvenile fillies, where Fairview-based Golden Palm looks a standout. She’s unbeaten over 1400m and well drawn. Main rival One Fine Winter brings strong sprint form.
The Gr1 Champion Stakes is wide open. Chronicle King upset the field in the Golden Horseshoe and should relish the extra trip. Tin Pan Alley, Malmesbury Missile, and Soldier Boy also have claims.
In the Gr1 Mercury Sprint, Tenango, Mia Moo, and Asiye Phambili are among the leading contenders, though tricky draws loom.
Finally, the Gr3 World Pool Gold Cup (3200m) sees King Pelles top the weights after two strong wins. Challenges will come from Madison Valley, Shoot The Rapids, and Bournemouth, while others like Navajo Nation and Holding Thumbs add depth.
