Sunday’s nine-race Turffontein Standside meeting is a key trial for the R6-million Betway Summer Cup, with the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes (1800m) offering fringe contenders one last chance to impress before final entries close on 19 November.
Nine of the 12 runners in the Victory Moon are Summer Cup nominees, and a strong showing could seal their place in the Highveld’s richest race on 29 November.
Trainer Tony Peter holds a strong hand with The Ultimate King, Son Of Raj, and Money Heist. Son Of Raj, the top weight, brings proven class but faces a stiff task giving weight away. Money Heist, well-weighted and consistent, should be in the mix, but all eyes will be on The Ultimate King — a rapidly improving Vercingetorix gelding who continues to rise in the ratings. Now on a mark of 103, he’ll need another career-best effort, but with Peter’s yard in top form, a win would almost guarantee him a Summer Cup berth.
Two Listed features for fillies and mares also add depth to the card. In the Betway National Colour Stakes (Race 5, 1000m), Peter’s Almond Sea looks poised to strike back over her ideal trip. The speedy Canford Cliffs filly boasts three wins, a second and a third from five runs at the distance, and from gate No. 1, she’ll be hard to catch.
In the Betway Summer Pudding Handicap (Race 6, 1600m), KwaZulu-Natal raiders Mocha Blend and Tomyris stand out. Mocha Blend is improving and will enjoy the Standside track, but Tomyris, runner-up to Grade 2 winner Callmegetrix earlier this season, brings top form to Gauteng and looks set for a deserved Listed victory.
