The Sunday News
Mandla Moyo Racing Correspondent
AN explosive race is expected at Borrowdale Race Course in Harare this afternoon where eight three-year-old horses are set to trade iron and leather for the 2016 edition of the Guineas Trial Race.
The race slotted in as race six on the card kicks-off at 3.15 pm, will be over 1 600 metres. There is declared prize money of $8 000 and the first team over the line will get $4 800 leaving three runners-up to collect $1 600, $1 000, and $600, respectively according to their order of merit.
Today, once the stall gates are pushed open focus will quickly shifts to Tandava from the stable of Gokhan Terzi. According to the race card Tandava is the highest rated runner among the pack.
Tandava is rated 72, three steps above the second best runner Bullion Bay (69) who will be directed by seasoned pilot Lance Pagel. Although Tandava is the top dog and the favourite for the top prize, a top weight of 60 kilogrammes might complicate things for the runner.
The fact that the season is coming from a break, rust might take its toll here.
Other runners likely to give the favourite a run for its money are Bullion Bay, Detente and Rocky Road. These three runners are all rated 69 and will stride down the turf carrying 58,5 kilogrammes. This means this trio will campaign 1,5 kilogrammes better off than the bookmakers favourite Tandava.
Can this difference swing the pendulum in their direction? Let’s waits for the stall gates to open!
Other three-year-olds who should not be over looked include Cool Solution, Slick, and Al Salaam and Batula uber. Infact, if any of these lowly rated runners feel the vibe and suddenly make some noise on the track then fans might be in for a noisy Guineas Trial race.
All their pilots have to do is to make sure they stay up there with the leaders and strike during the final 600m straight home stretch. The winner of this race will go on to compete for the more challenging Tripple Crown race dubbed “the ultimate test of the thoroughbred house”.
Mica Point winner of the 2015 edition will not be part of the proceedings due to being now above the stipulated age limit.
