Ready, steady for the J&B Met
THE COUNTRY’S top race horses are ready to take up their positions with training completed and lanes allocated for the Cape’s most popular horse race – the J&B Met.
In little more than a week, 16 horses will compete in the anticipated R2.5-million, Grade One, 2 000m race.
The horses will be running in weight-for-age-based conditions.
Trainers say the horses are set to have an easier week in the lead-up to the big day.
Beach Beauty’s trainer, Dennis Drier, said he was ready for the big win.
“We didn’t come to Cape Town all the way from KZN to check out the scenery,” he said.
“I’ve been training her, her whole life… she’s been waiting for the Met and thank goodness it’s finally come to fruition.”
In terms of size the J&B Met is second only to the Vodacom Durban July.
Yesterday the horses set out for an early morning gallop around the Kenilworth Race Course and on the highveld for those that have not yet arrived in Cape Town.
A barrier draw was then held to determine which horse would jump from which gate on race day.
Race day favourite Igugu, from Gauteng, was drawn at lucky number seven, with Emerald Cove filling lane one and Chesalon ranking in at gate 16. Bravura is also a top contender.
Runners closest to the running rail are in the best position, draw one being the closest, because they could take the shortest route to the finish.