'Royal' warming up for victory

HERE were a number of grumpy supporters and punters after Gr1 Betway Summer Cup hopeful See It Again was scratched from his last intended start.

- ANDREW HARRISON

None more so than trainer Michael Roberts who was of the opinion that his charge was not given a reasonable chance to load by the assistant starter.

Ruling after an official complaint was lodged by Roberts, the NHA dismissed his complaint and declared his deposit forfeit.

That said, a number of his local Cup rivals got a run under their girth and patrons face a fascinating Conditions Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville tonight.

No doubt Roberts will have been instructed to pass See It Again through the barriers before lining up again and the gelding is classy enough to run a big race with stable rider Rachel Venniker there to coax him home.

There are a number of runners warmingup for the Summer Cup including Gareth van Zyl's King Pelles.

The gelding burst onto the scene with commanding victories in the staying races at the back end of Champions Season and he should be well suited to the stamina-sapping 2000m of the Turffontein Standside track.

That said, he ran a cracker in a sprint behind Gr2 Post winner I Am Giant last time out and although he obviously prefers further he must have a decent chance on that showing.

Nathan Kotzen with the help of 'horse whisperer' Glyn Redgrave appear to have cured former Cup winner Royal Victory of his quirky behaviour and the gelding was running on late behind Madison Valley over 1400m last time out.

His connections were well satisfied with that showing and should that outing will have brought him on although this is also well short of his best.