Stage set for OK Grand Challenge

Sp2 — Yer-Maan winner of the Castle Tankard 2015

Mandla Moyo Horsing Correspondent
ALL roads lead to Borrowdale Park Race Course this afternoon for the running of the 27th edition of the OK Grand Challenge Grade (2) race.
The $40,000 stakes 1,800M race that most punters have eagerly been waiting for will be run at 3:25PM with the winner pocketing $24,000 and the other four placed runners each collecting $8,000, $4,800, $2,400 and $800 respectively.

Fans and shoppers from all walks of life are expected to descend on the race course to witness the action that has made the OK Grand Challenge the most followed horse race in the country today.

According to racing manager Betina Gurajena, the stage is now set for the showdown. “We’re through with our preparations for the race this afternoon. Fans must come and sample the recipe we have in store for them,” said Gurajena.

An impressive field of 14 tried and tested local and South African based horses will line-up for the biggest horse-racing event in the country.

Yer-Maan, which triumphed in the Castle Tankard meeting a few days ago, is tipped to cruise to victory and is rated 7/1 odds on favourite to win the OK Grand Challenge race.

Yer-Maan landed from his base in South Africa and quickly sent tongues wagging on his way to a comfortable win in the Castle Tankard race.

Locally-based five-time champion jockey Quinton Riddle will be hoping for another accolade with Yer-Maan.

Warcraft, which led for the better part of the Castle Tankard race but fizzled out in the final third, is expected to mount a serious challenge this afternoon if jockey Athandiwe Mgudlwa corrects the mistakes they made.

Warcraft is from the Alyson Wright stable in South Africa and has an opening bet of 3/1 for this race.

Another horse to watch is Lucky Sam, whO came second in the Tankard. Lucky Sam is the three-year old who swept everything on offer a year ago.

If he comes to the party this afternoon, then trainer Bridget Stidolp and the rest of the crew might stumble onto some decent money. Randal Simmons will provide the heels and hands push.

Then there is the defending champion Equina, ridden by Karl Zechner, from the stable of Amy Bronkhorst.

From 25 runs, Equina has won nine times and placing seven times. Two weeks ago, she put up a fair effort but lost to Yer-Maan, and would have to dig even much deeper if she entertains any hopes of causing an upset.

Rock The County and Merhaba, both from the Gokhan Terzi stable, are two runners that can spoil the party for others.

Rock The Country trailed Yer Maan by 3.25 lengths in the Tankard and would have to move mountains to produce a good result today.

Other runners to keep an eye on include Super Trouper, Say So Tiger, Got A Hold On Me and Norgay.

Tips

Race 1

Al Salaam, 4 Caribbean, 7 Miss Lecture, 2 Jammy Lizard

Race 2

2 Burg’s Overture, 1 Aiiyayii, 3 Promising, 6 Country Roads

Race 3

2 Sword Of Truth, 5 Jean’s Dancer, 4 Wat’s Up Sarge, 7 Montelupo

Race 4

3 Muhannad, 6 Bachata, 5 Athony’s Lazer, 2 Spanish Matador