Dave The King will be out to win the Gold Challenge for the third time in succession, but he faces some tough opposition this year (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Pen pictures for the big race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m.
1 QUESTIONING
He has developed into an athlete with the “wow” factor. He has
proved himself effective over a mile at the highest level and his
pole position draw will allay any stamina concerns. Massive
chance.
2 LEGAL COUNSEL
Finished a fine second in the Gr 1 wfa WSB Met over 2000m
and before that did well to stay on in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate
when chasing a pace that was way too fast.
3 DAVE THE KING
Goes for a third successive win of this race. Known for his ability
to unwind a resolute finish from as far as 800m to 1000m out
and is hard to catch if getting first run, but he faces a stronger
field this year.
4 COSMIC SPEED
He was a 0,85 length fourth last year and was a 3,45 length fifth
in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, but this field is stronger than last
year’s and he has been a bit unreliable lately.
5 THE REAL PRINCE He won the Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate to prove he would have gone close here last year had he not avoided the race. He ran way below par in a wfa mile at Turffontein in .
6 JET FORCE He has run some fine races this season, but this is a big step up in class and he is up against it.
7 SEE IT AGAIN He is the highest rated classic distance horse in the country and this four–time Gr 1–winner’s class always gives him a chance in a Gr 1 wfa mile, although his optimum distance is 2000m.
8 GLADATORIAN He was a fast–finishing 0,35 length third last year and comes in off a similar preparation, although this is a stronger field.
9 EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN The reigning Equus Horse Of The Year had an interrupted campaign in the Cape Summer, but ran a fair second last time and can bounce back although he would prefer further
10 MAIN DEFENDER Is a Gr 1 wfa mile winner, but that was two years ago and this five–year–old’s recent form has been well below his best.
11 TIN PAN ALLEY Put up performance of the season when winning a Gr 1 wfa mile at Turffontein and his defeat next time in the Gr 2 WSB
Guineas was likely due to him not settling perfectly after a slow
start. Potentially the best miler in the race, but has a tough
draw.
12 FIRE ATTACK Is a Gr 1 winner and is versatile. He looks capable of running on into the money if able to find cover from a wide draw.
