Details of the runners, riders and barrier draw plus betting tips for the 2025 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein racecourse on Saturday 29th November

Below we have the final field for the Summer Cup and we have added two each way plays at the bottom of this preview.

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BETWAY SUMMER CUP (Grade 1) 2000m

Saturday 29th November Race 8: due Off 16:00

Final update. Odds correct as of 07:00 Saturday 29th November and are subject to change, place betting also available

1 ATTICUS FINCH 7/1

Trainer Alec Laird Jockey Calvin Habib

Draw 2 6yo, 60kg MR 127

Comment: The 2024 winner who tuned up for this with victory in the Charity Mile at this course. Shoulders top weight as a result of that victory but is clearly in good shape, probably even better suited by the distance and looks sure to run a big race from a handy draw. 

2 ROYAL VICTORY 25/1

Trainer Nathan Kotzen Jockey Chad Little

Draw 14 6yo, 59kg MR 125

Comment: The winner of this race in 2023 and sixth last year when not getting the run of the race. Course and distance specialist is another to make the trip from the coast, has had his issues and a wide gate won't make life easy but if everything falls right he can play a big hand. 

3 KING PELLES 28/10 Fav

Trainer Gareth van Zyl Jockey S’manga Khumalo

Draw 11 5yo, 57.5kg MR 122

Comment: Champion stayer from KZN is another to have caught the attention of punters thanks to good showings in 2 prep runs over distances way short of his ideal trip. Has been well supported in the betting markets in the last few days, should love the long straight and looks a big player. 

4 SON OF RAJ 80/1

Trainer Tony Peter Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane

Draw 4 6yo 55.5kg MR 118

Comment: Enjoys Turffontein on his day and although he would be the third choice of the stables 3 runners he may not be the forlorn hope the odds suggest if putting his best foot forward

5 THE EQUATOR 3/1

Trainer Tony Peter Jockey Gavin Lerena

Draw 3 5yo 55kg MR 117

Comment: 5yo import who has had 3 runs in South Africa. His local debut in Durban in July 2024 was nothing special but this season 2 impressive wins at Turffontein have seen him shoot to prominence for a tilt at the Summer Cup. A low draw is also favourable and commands respect although the current odds look on the short side. 

6 LEGEND OF ARTHUR 20/1

Trainer Sean Tarry Jockey Malesela Katjedi

Draw 20 4yo 54.5kg MR 117

Comment: Looked like a top horse in the making early in his career but hasn't shown that spark in recent runs. Being the only representative of a top trainer is worth noting but looks to have plenty to prove. 

7 MADISON VALLEY 10/1

Trainer Frank Robinson Jockey Craig Zackey

Draw 18 5yo 54.5kg MR 116

Comment: Another KZN raider who was fourth in this race last year at odds of 100/1. Sure to have his supporters after a winning his prep run over a distance way short of ideal so could easily be a factor with a leading jockey aboard although Gate 18 would probably be a concern but was also drawn out wide last year. 

8 OTTO LUYKEN 16/1

Trainer Gareth van Zyl Jockey JP v’d Merwe

Draw 8 6yo 54.5kg MR 116

Comment: Something to find on Charity Mile form with Atticus Finch although that was a comeback run over an inadequate trip. Gusty and not easily dismissed in terms of earning a decent pay cheque. 

9 MY BEST SHOT 20/1

Trainer Alan Greeff Jockey Richard Fourie

Draw 12 4yo 54kg MR 116

Comment: Eastern Cape visitor having his first run at Turffontein with the services of last season's champion jockey. Has an excellent win / run ratio although not in the sort of company he takes on today. 

10 ON MY HONOUR 20/1

Trainer Glen Kotzen Jockey Serino Moodley

Draw 5 4yo 54kg MR 116

Comment: First run on the Highveld, significant improvement probably needed to feature in my view but lightly raced with just 11 outings under his belt and has a handy draw. 

11 SPUMANTE DOLCE 20/1

Trainer Mike / Mathhew de Kock Jockey Callan Murray

Draw 10 4yo (filly) 54kg MR 116

Comment: Another who is the sole representative of a top yard so a fair degree of respect is afforded. Looked a top class filly in the making as a youngster and elements of her form offer encouragement although its now 301 days since her last win. 

12 PARISIAN WALKWAY 33/1

Trainer Alec Laird Jockey Philasande Mxoli

Draw 16 4yo 54kg MR 115

Comment: Stable companion of Atticus Finch, has a bit to find with The Equator on previous run, albeit over a shorter distance but would be a surprise winner. 

13 BUSSTOPINHOUNSLOW 80/1

Trainer Grant Maroun Jockey Rachel Venniker

Draw 7 4yo 54kg MR 112

Comment: Top lady jockey in the irons but unproven over this trip and others are preferred

14 OLIVIA’S WAY 33/1

Trainer Roy Magner Jockey Andrew Fortune

Draw 9 4yo (filly) 54kg MR 112

Comment: This filly is a course and distance winner though up in class today. Seems to relish this sort of trip, handy galloping weight and would be a fairy-tale winner for jockey Andrew Fortune. Not dismissed as one of the livelier longer priced runners. 

15 THE ULTIMATE KING 14/1

Trainer Tony Peter Jockey Muzi Yeni

Draw 1 4yo 54kg MR 111

Comment: Rapidly improving stablemate of the favourite who has drawn 1. Sharp rise in class but could still be ahead of the handicapper although another big step forward will be required. 

16 WILD INTENT 40/1

Trainer Lucky Houdalakis Jockey Marco van Rensburg

Draw 15 4yo 54kg MR 110

Comment: Two runs as a 4yo have suggested this one could find it tough going, especially from a wide gate.

17 ANFIELDS ROCKET 66/1

Trainer Grant Maroun Jockey Sean Veale

Draw 17 6yo 54kg MR 109

Comment: Top form as a 3yo, versatile over a variety of distances but now 6 and it's over 1000 days since last win. Would be a big surprise were he to be on the premises. 

18 SOLAR SAIL 66/1

Trainer Mark Khan Jockey Jarryd Penny

Draw 19 4yo 54kg MR 109

Comment: Draw 19 looks to make an already tough task even tougher at these weights

19 MOCHA BLEND 40/1

Trainer Frank Robinson Jockey Tristan Godden

Draw 13 4yo (filly) 54kg MR 105

Comment: Has only had 8 runs so every reason to believe this filly has her best days ahead of her although this looks a super tough task in this company. 

20 NAVAJO NATION 50/1

Trainer WO Maring / WH Maring Jockey Kobeli Lihaba

Draw 6 5yo 54kg MR 104

Comment: Honest and consistent but under sufferance at the weights as is the case with many at the bottom end of the handicap

The Verdict

Whilst it would be no surprise to see the leading contenders betting wise fight it out, to me the value lies further down the betting boards.

Both my picks will need to be on their best behavior and top form but if that proves to be the case Spumante Dolce and Royal Victory can reward punters who take win and top 4 place bets.

15% bonus on all deposits up to R30,000, 24th to 29th November at Hollywoodbets. T&C's apply.

Members of the Goodforthegame community will also be sharing their tips on the dedicated Summer Cup thread on our brand new discussion forum. If you haven't done so already, register a forum account here.