Murderous PE Gold Cup not a race for sissies

So which trainer has the fittest and toughest race horse in South Africa in his stable?

This will be answered at the Fairview track today when eight horses battle it out for the Port Elizabeth Gold Cup.

They will tackle the murderous distance of 3 600m, the longest annual race in South Africa.

This is not a race for sissies. You need a very fit horse to secure the bulk of the R150 000 prize money.

Don’t forget that the jockeys also have to be in great shape to do the job in the saddle.

One would have loved to see more runners in this marathon, but owners are reluctant to get involved with long-distance horses these days.

The stayers are usually the more mature horses and as an owner you have to be patient to see if your horse can handle the long distances.

Wimpie Kruger and his son, Wimpie Jnr, are not afraid to buy horses for the long races.

They have been involved with top stayers with the stable of Fairview trainer Jacques Strydom for many years.

Strydom will saddle two horses for the Krugers.

Desert Wisdom and Frikkie are the favourites for top spot.

This race is a crowd favourite as a lot can happen over the long distance. That makes the race wide open, although the Strydom runners deserve favouritism. There are some interesting challengers though.

Plano looks a decent runner and there is confidence in the yard that this gelding will be competitive.

Don’t forget Shady World. He was a shock winner last year (66/1).

The only out-of-town competitor is the Cape Town filly Zanadu. She only recently won her first race – at her 12th attempt. In March she was just a length behind the top-rated American Landing and Zanadu could be the surprise packet.

It is going be a long ride, but punters can make sure that they are not taken for a ride by including the Strydom runners in all bets.

Punters’ Pal tips

Fairview

PA R324 2-4/9/1-2-10/1-4-8/2-4/2-5-7/3-12-15 Pick Six R1 350 7-9/1-2-10/1-4-6-8-9/2-3-4/2-5-7/3-1012-14-15

Punters can make sure they are not taken for a ride by including Strydom runners in all bets