Defender the Main man

Lots at compelling aspects for punters this spring, summer racing season.

- Mike Moon

As the curtain rises on Highveld racing's spring and summer season, the starring role goes to Main Defender. The four year old from trainer Tony Peter's stable is a 1610 hot pot to defend the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge he won so impressively in 2023.

A popular favourite is always a draw at a race meeting, but the fixture at Turffontein on Saturday has other compelling aspects to it.

For punters, a carryover Pick 6 with a likely pool of R5 million will be top of mind - with Main Defender tempting as a banker in permutations.

For owners and trainers, operator 4Racing's 10% hike in stake money for the season - bringing the term's overall pot to Rgo million will put a bounce in the step as they head for the Big T.