King Pelles to wield the sword

THE finish of the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup could well see a prominent showing for KZN raiders and the Gareth van Zyl-trained King Pelles could be the one to prevent the Alec Laird-trained Atticus Finch from retaining his crown.

- DAVID THISELTON

King Pelles is the Equus Champion Stayer, but has blossomed into a horse who is by no means a dour stayer.

He showed a terrific turn of foot in his staying race wins, but this season has sharpened up and has produced eye-catching performances over 1200m and 1600m respectively. With the assets of both stamina and class he could be the one to beat and he has won in soft going before too.

S'Manga Khumalo has won the Summer Cup before and should be able to make a plan from a tricky draw of eleven.

Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch has blossomed this season and the six-year-old first caught the eye when running on strongly for a narrow second in the Gr 2 Betway Jo’burg Spring Challenge over 1450m before treating the Gr 2 Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile opposition like horses a division below him when romping home to a three length victory.

He has the same draw of two that he won from last year and Calvin Habib retains the ride. Madison Valley ran fourth last year and has improved since then with gelding, but he does have to overcome the same 18 draw he had last year. Craig Zackey has been in devastating form and will help him overcome the draw.

Former winner Royal Victory is ultra consistent and has the same 125 rating he had last year when beaten three lengths and being a touch unlucky.