SA act tipped to land OK Grand Challenge

OK Grand Challenge 1 800m sprint at Borrowdale Park today.
The Kahal-gelding cantered to a win in the Castle Tankard with jockey Karis Teetan holding the bridle and the partnership starts as the favourite for the race, which has US$40 000 in stakes.
In the 2 000m Castle Tankard, Grisham made a late blistering run to beat Eight Street by 1,5 lens.
The equine athlete from the Geoff Woodruff stable could once again find the distance to its liking although he could be carrying more weight this time.
At the Tankard, Grisham came off carrying 52kg but this time he will have 57kg and will bolt from gate one while he has been placed number three on the race card.
Locally, Grisham has been training under Noelene Peech’s yard, who has also saddled in Got Personality.
The filly was credible to finish fourth at the Castle Tankard and its coming with a decent draw of six and could be suited for the distance.
Willie Uys will come holding the straps for what is expected to be a fast pace.
But it is always hard to ignore the runner from Kirk Swanson, Eight Street (2) in such a big race.
After coming second best in the Castle Tankard, Quinton Riddle could now be hopeful of getting it right this time.
Riddle was taking Eight Street for the first time in the Castle Tankard and for a good reason he should be on every punter’s bet.
Swanson also saddles in Captain’s Tiger who has a top weight and is not likely to spring a surprise in the event.
Sherman Brown will be on board and has to be respected if the horse has to come off the pace.
Leading trainer Lisa Harris is not bringing any runners in the 23rd edition of the horse race, leaving the field wide open for anyone to win.
Winter’s Night by Harris won the Grand Challenge last year.
There is an unknown runner in the South African gelding Chou Choo Wooga who has jockey Nickey Roebuck.
The gelding is making his maiden run in Zimbabwe and has to be treated with respect as the dark horse here.
Jiminy Cricket came last at the Tankard and unless he improves on form, the colt will find it hard to get a place.
Richie Rich (9) has jockey Deon Simpson and could find the distance a little taxing.
The opening race of the day is the OK Value Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1 000m with nine runners accepting.
A small field of just five runners has entered for the OK Suppliers Handicap 1 450m Race Two.
There is a lot to look forward to at the Grand Challenge with top Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu and urban groovers Extra Large set to provide entertainment.
But the party will continue for the punters and shoppers who will win the prizes that range from cars to residential stands as the in-store promotion reaches it climax with the horse race.