The midweek eight-race meeting on the Inside track at Turffontein on Thursday 30 October could prove pivotal for several Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup hopefuls, with Race 4 over 2000m shaping as a decisive test for those still scrambling to secure a place in next month’s R6-million Highveld showpiece.
At the heart of the contest are three Cup entries – The Ultimate King, Pumpkin Pie and to a lesser extent, veteran Infinite Wonder – all with their Cup ambitions hanging in the balance. If the final field for the 29 November feature were published today, none would make the cut. But with final declarations only due on Wednesday 19 November, there’s still time. A big run in this race could change everything.
The Ultimate King, trained by Tony Peter and to be partnered by Gavin Lerena, is a proven specialist over the distance. The Vercingetorix gelding has thrived since being gelded, stringing together three consecutive wins – the last of those over this very course and distance – before narrowly failing to extend that streak when conceding 2.5kg to the winner in a similar MR 95 Handicap.
His subsequent fifth over 1800m at the Vaal can be forgiven, given the penalty and change of rider. With Lerena back in the saddle and a return to his preferred 2000m, he looks the one they all have to beat.
Pumpkin Pie, from Candice Dawson’s stable and ridden by Serino Moodley, is the lightly raced improver and perhaps the more speculative of the Cup hopefuls. The Buffalo Bill Cody gelding has shown enough promise in shorter events to suggest the step up to 2000m could bring about further improvement. He is bred for middle distances and, if he sees it out strongly, could make a compelling case for inclusion in the Cup line-up.
Veteran Infinite Wonder, the eight-year-old from Mano Pandaram’s yard, adds grit and familiarity to the mix. While his best days may be behind him, he remains consistent and honest, and a bold showing here would be a welcome reminder of his durability.
Bettors looking for value might consider boxing The Ultimate King and Pumpkin Pie in a Swinger, with Kudzu, a reliable handicapper, worth including in Exacta and Trifecta combinations for those chasing bigger dividends.
Earlier on the card, the James Crawford – Callan Murray combination looks poised for a flying start. Real Stunner caught the eye on his Highveld debut when a fast-finishing fifth over 1200m, and the step up to 1600m in Race 1 should see the Oratorio gelding go very close.
Stablemate Duchess Of Paloma, a Royal Mo filly who has shown steady improvement since relocating from Cape Town, appears ready to strike in Race 2 over the same trip.
With Summer Cup dreams on the line in Race 4 and several well-placed favourites throughout the programme, Thursday’s Turffontein Inside meeting promises a mix of drama, intrigue, and betting opportunity. Expect the stakes – and performances, for that matter – to be as high as the ambitions of some heading into the Highveld’s feature-race season.
Clive Robinson
