Eight On Eighteen is ‘all the rage’, as he bids to land his 4th Group 1 of the season! (Candiese Lenferna Photography).
The following trainers’ comments preview was compiled by Michele Wing of Race Coast (see the video preview below the transcribed comments):
11. Eight On Eighteen: “Whether we’ve made the right decision to run him, I’m not sure yet. It’s a race where you push a horse to it’s boundaries and it takes it out of a horse. Weight and draw are perfect … it was a draw I’d hoped for“, Justin Snaith.1. Oriental Charm: “We thought that there could be scrimmaging drawn on the inside, but he’s got a lot of gate speed and don’t think they’ll catch him”, Tim Woodruff (Assistant to James Crawford).10. Immediate Edge: “His current rating is not a reflection of his ability. Very happy with draw 10“, Mike de Kock.5. The Real Prince: “I’m confident he’ll get the trip. He’s a completely different horse to his brother, Gimme A Prince. He’s got a touch of class and not an over-raced horse”, Dean Kannemeyer.3. On My Honour: “We planned it to come in with bottom weight … that’s what can win you the big one and hopefully we’ve done it right“, Glen Kotzen.6. Selukwe: “We are pleased with the draw, especially how we see the race panning out. There’s still a lot of horse there“, Andre Nel.
15. See It Again: SCRATCHED (As at 1/07/2025 / Abnormal blood count).16. Gladatorian: “You never know whether he’ll get the trip until he’s gone it, but he wasn’t stopping at Scottsville in the 1750m with 62kilos. His draw is not a complete ‘train smash’, with his running style “, Stuart Ferrie.2. Madison Valley: “Gavin was very happy with his gallop and said he’s ‘spot on’. He’s thriving”, Frank Robinson.17. Royal Victory: “I’m going to put blinkers on him for the race to get his mind on the job. He comes from off them, so the draw could be in our favour“, Nathan Kotzen.4. Atticus Finch: “He’s a stronger horse than last year. He’s travelling down early to give him a few days to get over it. He’s not a good traveller“, Alec Laird.8. Pomodoro’s Jet: “He’s had a hindered prep, as went off his food before his last start and had to be scratched. He’s looking well“, Tim Woodruff (Assistant to James Crawford)9. My Best Shot: “He’s done everything he’s needed to do to earn himself a spot in the July“, Alan Greeff.13. Okavango: “He is better than his Daily News run. Andrew Fortune is on the horse because he places a horse really well “, Justin Snaith.14. Confederate: “His run in the Egoli Mile was needed and brought him on. He never disappoints and has not missed the first two“, Fabian Habib.12. Purple Pitcher: “His last run was disappointing, but it was too short for him and he can be forgiven. He’s beaten horses like Royal Victory and Atticus Finch at similar weights. Draw 12 is not ideal for a horse that prefers to race handy, but am happy to have Kabelo Matsunyane back on him“, Robyn Klaasen.7. Rainbow Lorikeet: “She has some solid Cape form and wasn’t disgraced in the Woolavington, having suffered interference. She’s in a good space and we have a lovely draw“, Terry Fripp (Assistant to Candice Bass-Robinson).18. Native Ruler: “He’ll be out the trouble at draw 18. He’s a young horse and Tristan can give him every chance, he can possibly have“, Justin Snaith.