Johannesburg’s 4Racing and sponsor Betway announced on Wednesday that the
2023 Betway Summer Cup will have a record stake of R5m this year. This is double the R2.5m stakes pot that was on offer last year.
Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing, said the R5 million stakes incentive was a huge boost in the continued efforts to support the revival of South African horse racing. “This stakes increase is hugely important for our industry, and so is Betway’s integration with and support for the Tote.”
Betway South Africa Head of Customer Experience, Jonathan Blumberg, said: “We have no doubt this will make the Summer Cup even more attractive for the connections of South Africa’s very best thoroughbreds, the world’s leading jockeys and trainers, and elite owners. There is more to come from us, racing is fun and we need to do what we can to support it.”
Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock, presently on a trip to Australia, praised Blumberg for Betway’s continued support of racing: “Betway has become a major player and their support has been crucial at this time.”
Mike has only a single runner this weekend – Mvulelo in Race 2 over 1800m on the outside track at
Turffontein. Mvulelo is a son of Orchid Island, who won the 2017 G1 SA Fillies Classic over this course and distance. He was placed from a wide draw over 1800m following two disappointing runs over shorter and Mike said: “We were worried after his first two runs but he’s obviously better suited to this kind of trip. We’re taking the blinkers off. I think Fushimi Inari is the horse to beat, we have a first-four chance.”
There are two possible bankers on the card. Kwazzi’s Lady bids for four wins in a row in Race 5 over 1800m and that she’s unbeaten in two runs over this distance is the first factor in her favour. Kwazzi’s Lady’s already won twice in this class and it seems the handicapper hasn’t caught up with her – he’s raised her by just 10 points for three wins in the last two months. Trainer Alec Laird has placed her well and he’s booked 2.5-kg claimer Siyanda Sosibo to negate the 2kg penalty incurred for her last success.
Tuscan Gold, transferred from the Cape, will have his first run for an in-form local stable in Race 8 over 1160m and looks to be on the right mark to win his second career start. He is overdue.
With the mentioned pair covering two legs of the Pick 6, let’s take a look at the four other legs and the possibility of keeping the bet affordable.
Starting in Race 3, there are a number of runners with useful form, and two first-timers. Empress Game is likely to be the popular choice, but it may be best to include the field, especially since Si Veloce and White Hills look just as capable of landing it, and the lurkers in the pack won’t be going away.
Atticus Finch and Tizona are the obvious two in Race 4 over 1800m, but include Paul Matchett’s Global Impact, a horse considered good enough to contest the G3 Cup Trial (excuses for a poor run) and is a two-time winner over this trip.
Corne Spies-trained Flowerbomb is narrowly preferred in Race 6 over 1000m, but this is a race in which all of eight contenders have claims of sorts – a ‘Field’ leg advised.
Munchkin (Race 7), has a big reputation to uphold and looks ready to win in this, his peak run after a rest. It’s a competitive line-up too, so throw in Black Egret, Power Broker and Successful Secret for good measure.
Bet on Horse racing with Betway
Make sure you back the right silks and don’t get boxed in, Betway brings you the latest in Horse Race betting. Find competitive odds and markets when you bet on the horses at Betway.
Get in on horse racing today and place your bets on at Betway.
If you need any assistance, contact us on 0861 787 250 and if you need help placing your first bet, have a look at our How To Bet guide.