Strong entry for G1 Summer Cup

NOMINATIONS: 42 ENTRIES FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY RECEIVED FOR R6-MILLION RACE

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A total of 42 names were received by the 11am cutoff for first entries for the R6-million Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein on 29 November.

Leading the charge in the buildup to this year's renewal is defending champion, Atticus Finch. Trained by Alec Laird, Calvin Habib steered the gelded son of Master Of My Fate to a 1.10-length victory in 2024.

Atticus Finch, now aged six, launched his prep for this year’s big race in fine style last Saturday, finishing second to Tin Pan Alley (The United States) in the G2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m.

He is expected to have another run before this year’s big race on 29 November. Laird holds a total of four entries, including G2 Gauteng Guineas winner Parisian Walkway. Alec Laird has two Summer Cup trophies to his name, having saddled his first winner, Malteme, in 2006.

Another exciting Highveld entry is dual G1 winning Confederate (Fire Away) from the Fabian Habib yard. Confederate made an eye-catching start to his four-year-old term, with an impressive win under Rachel Venniker over 1450m at Turffontein last Saturday.

Sean Tarry, who has already taken home five Summer Cup trophies, fields no less than six entries for this year’s race, including G1 SA Derby (2450m) winner Legend Of Arthur (Lancaster Bomber).

Joe Soma-trained Rule By Force, third in last year's Summer Cup, is also among the first entries, despite not being in action since. Stable companion 4yo filly Fiery Pegasus (Captain Of All), winner of both the G1 SA Fillies Classic over 1800m and the G2 Oaks over 2450m, gives Soma a very strong two-pronged attack. Joe Soma previously won the superstar Eight On Eighteen.

De Kock is the winning-most Summer Cup trainer, with a staggering nine Summer Cups trophies to date.