Mardi Gras tops boards for Heritage

THE first set of weights for the R750 000 World Sports Betting Grand Heritage (Non-Black Type) over 1 475m at the Vaal on Saturday, September 29 have been announced while the sponsors have put up the early betting for the race.

Once again the race, which will contain 28 runners charging up the Vaal straight, has attracted a large entry of 58 runners.

However, the way the weights have been determined, Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Mardi Gras comes in with a very nice weight of 56,5kg and he has been priced up a pretty warm favourite at 15-4. While the price might not appear to be all that short, second favourite is Zouaves and he is on offer at 12-1. Geoff Woodruff’s charge has been weighted to carry 61kg.

Janse van Vuuren knows what it takes to win this race as he captured the inaugural event in 2016 with Irish Pride, who is among the hopefuls.

The Grand Heritage is open to all horses and the final field is by way of invitation from racing operator Phumelela.

To be considered for inclusion in the final field, every horse nominated must have had at least a minimum of one run from the time of first entry up to and including the time of the final supplementary entry.

Base weights are determined by the handicapper prior to consideration of additional weights for Graded and Listed races. Additional penalties for highest Graded/Listed win in the last 18 months are: Grade 1 3kg, Grade 2 2kg, Grade 3 1kg, Listed 0,5kg.

Thereafter, where applicable, amended weights for runs between first and final supplementary entries will be published on a weekly basis until final weights are announced. There is no sex allowance and no apprentice allowance.

First supplementary entries close at 1100 on Monday, September 17 with the final weights announced the next day.

Declarations close at 1100 on Wednesday, September 19 after which the final field will be embargoed and announced at an event on later that day.

Stakes are payable up to 15th position, provided 28 runners plus two reserve runners are declared, with the first prize being R406 250.

Betting: 15-4 Mardi Gras; 12-1 Zouaves; 14-1 Divine Odyssey; 18-1 Kings Archer; 20-1 Sail For Joy; 22-1 Irish Pride; 25-1 Unagi, Noble Secret, African Ruler, Tsitsikamma Dance, Count Tassilo, Chepardo; 28-1 Socrates; 33-1 Clever Guy, Africa Rising, Mount Keith, Yamoto; 35-1 Soldier On, Purple Diamond, Killua Castle, Talktothestars; 40-1 and upwards others.