Main Defender should stay the trip on pedigree and should be cherry ripe. (JC Photos)
The Betway Summer Cup is always an exciting betting event and the double figure odds of the classy Main Defender make appeal this year.
Main Defender is those odds due to a perceived stamina doubt, but on pedigree he is by Pathfork, whose son Royal Victory has won two Gr 1s over this course and distance, and he is out of a half-sister to Atticus Finch, who finished second in the Gr 3 Splashout 2200, while his dam’s sire is the stamina influence Judpot.
However, his detractors point to him passing Greeting My Master in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m and then being passed by the latter close to home. However, Main Defender was giving 11kg to the latter and would not have been at his peak. He beat Atticus Finch by 2,50 lengths in the Victory Moon and will be on 3kg better terms in the Summer Cup, while he beat Purple Pitcher by 3,50 lengths and will be only 3,5kg worse off, so they should finish together.
Main Defender, most importantly had travelled like the old Main Defender in the Victory Moon. He was superbly relaxed in the running and turned it on effortlessly when asked the question. He has a plum draw of three and an astute jockey in Aldo Domeyer is aboard.
See It Again is the favourite and is a twice winner over this trip. Gelding might help him bounce back to his best. He carries topweight but on the bright side only seven of the runners are officially in the handicap and he has a good draw of six with the peerless Piere Strydom up.
Last year’s winner Royal Victory still looks well handicapped and will surely go close, although he has a slightly tougher draw of 15 this year. Gavin Lerena is in fine form and Royal Victory should be spot on after his fine recent gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Frances Ethel has been eyecatching in her build up runs and is said to have stengthened into twice the horse she was last season.
Madison Valley is a long-striding sort who will relish the course and distance and he can run on after being dropped out from a wide draw.
Rule By Force is close to Royal Victory on Gr 1 SA Classic form of last year, but the latter was said to be off form that day.
Barbaresco should enjoy the course and distance and has a chance.
Hotarubi should be running on if it pans out from a wide draw.
Future Pearl is capable of a powerful finish and with Richard Fourie up can’t be ignored.
Beating Wings is 2kg under sufferance but is in fine form and progressive, so can do well over a suitable course and distance.
Silver Sanctuary is a full-sister to twice Summer Cup runner up Safe Passage and as a Gr 1 winner carrying joint bottom weight she has a shout, although she is officially 2kg under sufferance.
Pure Predator is a long-striding ideally course and distance suited sort and has his third run after a layoff, so could bounce back.
Purple Pitcher will relish the course and distance and has a chance if producing his best.
Atticus Finch should give an honest account of himself, but has a tough task with Main Defender on Victory Moon Stakes form.
Cape Eagle is a fair sort on his day and one of the dark horses over a suitable course and distance.
Litigation has the same Tarry/Schwarz combination as previous upset winner Zillzaal and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip, but he needs to lift his game.
My Soul Mate is capable but is officially way under sufferance.
Puerto Manzano is a previous winner but appears to be past his best.
Zeus finished fourth last year, but is not in as good form this season.
Winchester Mansion won a messy Gr 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Mile, but his overall form since his Hollywoodbets Durban July win suggests he has some issues as he is sparesly raced and a tad in and out.
They are selected in the order mentioned.
In the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans the exciting prospect Greaterix should go close, but giving weight to the amazing champion filly Quid pro Quo won’t be easy and the latter is taken to win.
Chasing Happiness could be one of the best bets at the meeting in the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes as she is progressive and looked to have a bit in hand last time. However, last year’s winner Mrs Browning must be included as she is well in at the weights.
Cats Pajamas is classy and the form of his last win has worked out exceptionally well, so he could win the Gr 3 New Turf Carrier Merchants despite being 1kg under sufferance.
In the Gr 3 Betway Fillies Mile VJ’s Angel, Fatal Flaw and Fiery Pegasus could fight it out.
The Betway Summer Cup consolation could be won by the course and distance suited and progressive Atarime.
The first leg of the PA could be fought out by Unzen, Dave The King and The Specialist, although Mexican Pete and Tail Of The Comet can’t be ignored.
In the first leg of the Bipot Green Sapphire makes most appeal.
