Checcetti - 2009 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Graduate
(Photo : JC Photographics)
EMPERORS PALACE READY TO RUN CUP
6 November 2010
Charl Pretorius
www.racingweb.co.zaJust a fortnight ago, the news broke of an intended increase in the stake for the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup to R2 million. Of course, that innovation becomes a reality for graduates of this year’s sale, while last year’s will be running for the advertised R1,5 million on Saturday 6thNovember.
The Ready To Run’s reputation among sales countrywide has not only been hard-earned, it has been sustained over many years. In a relatively short space, its associated race has grown from a half a million Rand event to R2 million, and now we have the news the stakeholders have introduced special trials in the lead up to this year’s event. History tell us that a strong preponderance of potential candidates only start their racing careers at this time of year, and with the heavy over-subscription of maiden events in all our big centres, there’s no guarantee of a run for a horse trying to make the cut.
As a result, both Phumelela and Gold Circle have allowed for dedicated trials with added stakes in each of the three major centres, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, where graduates of the sale are guaranteed a run without the risk of elimination. While this doesn’t preclude non-candidates from participating, those who are subscribed for the race with an opportunity to qualify, will get a run.
The details of the races are as follows :
| Gauteng |
| Thursday 7 October 2010 |
R100,000 |
| Vaal Turf Outside Track |
|
| 1200m |
|
| Tuesday 19 October 2010 |
R100,000 |
| Turffontein Standside Night Meeting |
|
| 1400m |
|
| KwaZulu Natal |
| Sunday 3 October 2010 |
R80,000 |
| Clairwood Racecourse |
|
| 1450m |
|
| Sunday 17 October 2010 |
R80,000 |
| Clairwood Racecourse |
|
| 1200m |
|
| Western Cape |
| Wednesday 6 October 2010 |
R78,000 |
| Durbanville Racecourse |
|
| 1400m |
|
Speaking from Summerhill, manager in charge of the Ready To Run string, Tarryn Liebenberg commented “It’s one thing incentivising investors with a big prize, it’s another affording them the opportunity to qualify. While the odds of competing for such a prize from just 150 candidates makes this the best sales race in the world, clearing the way for the best horses is just as important. This new innovation makes this possible, and provides our customers with the assurance that we’re batting for them all the way to the finish line”.
One horse who certainly put her hand up for a place in the line-up was Saturday’s 7,5 length winner, Checcetti, who couldn’t have been more impressive in beating a couple of competitive runners the first time Mike de Kock fitted the blinkers. Fillies already have a more than impressive record in the race, with a victory from the subsequent Group winner, Smangaliso, and a runner-up effort in last year’s event from the Gauteng Guineas heroine, Fisani.
For more information, please visit :
www.summerhill.co.za
and
www.tba.co.za
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 
Mthokozisi SitholeMany a top graduate of the Ready To Run was “tipped” by the men closest to them. The jockeys and the grooms. The nearest thing to a sure thing.
