R1 Million SAP Supreme Cup Field Unveiled

The final field for the continent’s most prestigious sand race was unveiled today on the Riverside Sun Hotel’s Liquid Lounge boat cruise and more than just a few “whoops” were heard during the ceremony because it quickly became apparent that this was not only a class field but also an intriguing one.

The intrigue is provided by two horses that have never raced on the sand before, Willow Magic and Ultimate Dollar, and by the horse who stands to win a R100 000 bonus, Roman Carnival.

Willow Magic, from the yard of champion trainer Sean Tarry, is a Gr 1-winning sprint miler who is now five but is still at the top of his game.

Ultimate Dollar, from the new Highveld satellite yard of former champion trainer Justin Snaith, ended a luckless Champions Season campaign by romping home in the Gr 3 tabGold 2200. He is affective over this trip too and has drawn well in two.

Roman Carnival is out to land the R100 000 bonus offered by World Sports Betting for any horse that can win both the Gr 3 World Sports Betting August Stakes over 1200m and the Supreme Cup. He destroyed them in the August Stakes last month and will relish the step up in trip, but he does have it a bit tougher at the weights and has to overcome a wide draw.

Another intriguing entry is Deputy Jud, the Gr 1 SA Derby-runner up. He goes well on sand and his low draw looks ideal for his strong, galloping style, although he would prefer further.

His stablemate Isphan has enjoyed a good preparation and looks nicely weighted over a suitable distance, and he could overcome his wide draw with his speed coupled with his ability to run on.

Toro Rosso was a convincing winner over course and distance in his last start and either he or Mootahadee, who was also an impressive winner over course and distance last time out, could give Mike de Kock a third victory in this race.

Precursor is a speedster in the mould of last year’s winner Tommy Gun so is most interesting from pole position draw.

Jade Vine is also in this category and should have come on from his last run which followed a five month layoff.

Uncle Tommy has finished third and second in the last two runnings, but looks a bit high in the weights these days.

All The Bids is another who looks to have it tough at the weights.

TapTap Makhatini finished sixth last year but is interesting because he runs well fresh, although his wide draw makes it tough.

Lavender Landscape loves the Vaal sand but would prefer further and the handicapper might have his measure.

Solar Triptych has a tough task on paper but is relatively lightly raced and open to further improvement and should have come on from his last start.