Turffontein’s outside track is host to a 12-race programme this afternoon, featuring the Gr.2 Gauteng Guineas for colts and fillies and another four Stakes races in support. Both Guineas events have attracted top-class fields including Dingaans winner and KZN raider Monks Hood (Querari) who takes on 15 rivals. However, it is hard to believe that he is not favourite to win this coveted prize for Mary Slack and trainer Alistair Gordon. Incidentally, Kong Kong’s emerging star, Singapore Sling, won the Dingaans en route to bigger things.

 

The high quality field of 16 promises one of the most hotly contested renewals of the classic in recent years, with unbeaten Majestic Mambo and the classy Surcharge adding to an exciting mix.

 

The race is the Gauteng first leg of the R7-million SA Triple Crown for 3-year-olds – the richest series of races in Africa. The Triple Crown comprises the R1-million Gr1 Cape Guineas. Tap O’Noth, who won the Guineas is not amongst the final runners.

The Gauteng Guineas is the alternate first leg, with the R2-million Gr1 SA Classic run over 1800m on Saturday 7 April the second leg.

The third leg is the R2-million Gr1 SA Derby run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 5 May 2018. 

In the fillies’ equivalent, Mike de Kock has five runners, but his stable elect looks to be the imported daughter of now South African-based Canford Cliffs, Fish River. De Kock has a strong hand in the main supporting feature, the Gr.2 Hawaii Stakes, with his free-running Sir David Baird ideally suited to the stiff seven furlongs. The son of Dynasty is a big, rangy sort and will be hard to peg back if allowed an easy lead.

 

 

 

By Ritesh Jamkhedkar - ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com