Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showdown at the Turffontein Racecourse
The 2023 Betway Summer Cup is just around the corner, featuring a star-studded line-up, including defending champion Puerto Manzano, Durban July hero Winchester Mansion, and a field of Gr1 champions on November 25.
The racing world is abuzz with excitement as 40 entries, led by the defending champion Puerto Manzano (ARG) and Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion, were received for the R5m Betway Gr1 Betway Summer Cup.
This prestigious event, the highlight of the Highveld season, will be held at Turffontein Racecourse on November 25.
Defending champion Puerto Manzano (ARG) heads the line-up.
The six-year-old son of Seek Again made his seasonal debut in the Betway Get Way More Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein on September 16, conceding a welterweight 12kgs to finish a 2.25 lengths second under regular big race rider, Gavin Lerena.
Puerto Manzano (ARG) is trained by Johan Janse van Vuuren and races in the well-known silks of Messrs J F & L M F Wernars & Mrs T J Wernars.
He is joined by Hollywoodbets Durban July hero, Winchester Mansion, owned and bred by the Drakenstein Stud and trained by Brett Crawford.
Other Gr1 winners include Anfields Rocket (WSB SA Classic, 2023), Bless My Stars (Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, 2023), Safe Passage (Daily News 2000, 2022), Aragosta (SA Derby, 2022), Son Of Raj (SA Derby 2023) and Cousin Casey (Premiers Champion Stakes, 2022).
Of particular interest is Cousin Casey, the son of Vercingetorix, named Champion Two-Year-Old Colt in 2022 and has recently joined the Sean Tarry string at Randjesfontein. Tarry has nominated five runners and could have a strong hand with Cousin Casey, Bless My Stars, Litigation, Nebraas and talented stayer Future Pearl.
Mike de Kock has nine Summer Cup titles to his name but has not won the race since Flirtation’s victory in 2010.
He fields seven entries – Safe Passage, Aragosta, Dave The King, East Coast, Shoemaker, Union Square and up-and-coming Trois Trois Quatre.
Safe Passage may have been a touch unlucky in last year’s race when finishing a 0.50-length second to Puerto Manzano. If he regains his best form, the Silvano gelding will be a massive runner.
