As is often the norm, it proved to be much tougher to contact the 16 riders in the marathon contest, possibly due to their hectic daily schedules. That said, we managed to get some interesting words from the men on top.
The brilliant Anton Marcus fresh from his amazing achievements on July Day took some valuable time off to chat to us with regards to the Gold Vase winner IT’S MY TURN. “He doesn’t give much away back home but is in good condition. I expect there to be a decent pace according to South African standards. I don’t think we’ll be breaking any records. The principal contenders are It’s My Turn, Strathdon, Made To Conquer and Hermoso Mundo with my two lurkers being Dark Moon Rising and One Direction.
The ‘punters favourite son’ Piere Strydom was easily accessible and of course, he partners the top weight MADE TO CONQUER. ‘Striker’ had the following to say, “He got a huge penalty for placing in the July. There should be a decent pace and my danger is the stable companion Strathdon.”
Big race rider Raymond Danielson was apologetic when not being able to tell us much about his pick-up mount WITCHCRAFT’s preparation “I’m very sorry not much I can tell you about Witchcraft, I don’t know much about her and she is in Durban so have not worked her.”
Young up and coming jockey Jarryd Penny sounded enthusiastic when chatting about his first ride in the two-mile marathon event. He rides the four-year-old Gauteng visitor Royal Utopia for the first time and didn’t have too much to say regarding her preparation coming into the event when commenting, “I have only ridden her at work, I’m not too sure about her preparations but my big dangers in the race are the top two in the betting market It’s My Turn and Made To Conquer. I will be trying my best to finish in front of them.”
WINNING FORM-sponsored jockey Muzi Yeni recently captained the victorious Highveld Hawks to the Provincial Rider Cup trophy and he was upbeat about the chances of his ride SHEET WEAVER. Of course, Yeni partnered the son of Ideal World into 3rd position in the Gold Vase behind It’s My Turn. “He stays well and has another low mass. His last run was very good and barring some issues I felt he could have been closer to the winner. His wide draw could be a blessing in disguise for him as I would like him to race on the outside as opposed to the rail in a contest where I think the pace will definitely be on. I respect It’s My Turn a lot and though Made To Conquer still has to prove his stamina and he has top weight, I also consider him to be a danger. I believe that my horse will be in the first 3 placings.”
The defending champion HERMOSO MUNDO will be partnered by top jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe who had the following to add, “The horse is doing really well, Weiho is very happy with the him, he’s obviously a very good horse. He won the race last year. He’s had a good prep and we are expecting a good run.”
