The Ultimate King books himself a berth in the Gr 1 R6 million Betway Summer Cup (JC Photos)
The Tony Peter-trained The Ultimate King’s victory in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on Sunday under Rachel Venniker saw him shortening to 10/1 for the Betway Summer Cup.
The Ultimate King relished racing on the Standside track and produced a resolute finish from midfield to win by 1,10 lengths and give Vercingetorix a 63rd stakes win.
It will be interesting to see whether the fast-finishing runner up Field Marshal is supplemented for the Summer Cup.
This Frank Robinson-trained Lancaster Bomber gelding ran at level weights with the winner on Sunday, carrying 51kg, and was beaten only 1,10 lengths.
Navajo Nation, who came from a handy position, was beaten 2,85 lengths into third giving the first two 1kg each and he is a 25/1 short for the big race.
Meanwhile, the Glen Kotzen-trained On My Honour, who won at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night, is now a 16/1 shot.
The Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles was an eyecatching runner up in that race and is 13/2 third favourite..
Royal Victory, who finished fourth in Friday’s race at Hollywoodbets Greyville is now a 20/1 shot.
See It Again was also intended to be a runner in that race, but failed to load for the second time in succession, so will have to arrive at the Summer Cup without a run this season if he is to take part. He has drifted out to 20/1 as well.
Tony Peter scored a feature double on Sunday and a four-timer in all.
Calvin Habib scored a Listed double on the Tony Peter-trained Erupt mare Kisshoten and the Candice Dawson-trained Whistle The Tune (Captain Of All) respectively. They respectively won the Listed Betway Summer Pudding Stakes over 1600m and the Listed Betway National Colour Stakes over 1000m respectively.
Frank Robinson was runner up to Peter in both the Victory Moon and the Summer Pudding and in the latter his Ideal World filly Mocha Blend was only 0,30 lengths behind joint topweight Kisshoten.
Mocha Blend is now a 25/1 shot for the Summer Cup with the sponsor.
