HARARE - Dark horses have surprised many in the last 27 editions of the OK Grand Challenge and this year’s race may not be an exception.
But bidding not to make this notion today’s reality are several top-rated horses who will line up at the starting stalls at Borrowdale Race Course.
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Amongst the frontrunners is Flax whom bookmakers have pinned as a favourite at odds 3-1.
The top class international campaigner is hoping to build from a creditable fifth in this year’s Castle Tankard.
Flax will shoulder 62kg which may be against him on the day.
White line Fever, who reigns from champion trainer Sean Tarrys yard in South Africa, comes into the race on odds 5-.
Although this horse has not won a race in two years, his recent form suggests that he could win a race of this nature.
He will be ridden by Raymond Danielson, who knows this horse well, but will have to jump from gate 13, which may work against him.
Local hopes will be pinned on Eurakilon, who has been very consistent in these big races.
Regular jockey Lance Pagel secures the ride and these two will be out there to make amends from The Castle Tankard effort.
Jumping from a wide draw of 14, Gokhan Terzi’s charge is not without a winning chance today, and is one of the likely favorites to win the race.
Castle Tankard winner Rock The Country will be one to watch out for.
Trained by Terzi, this seven-year-old gelding will be ridden by Hennie Greyling, who partnered him to victory in the Tankard.
This horse will be a big runner on the day, carrying 56kg on his back.
Mathematician, a three year old gelding, is probably the best of his age group.
Running a cracking second in the Castle Tankard, he now gets the services of Wesley Marwing, as Brendon Mcnaughton opted to stick with his folly Duffis Call, which makes things very interesting
Mathematician will carry 55kg and is trained by Bridget Stidolph. He jumps from a good draw of 3.
Super Trouper, the oldest horse in the race, is an outsider with odds 40-1.
Ridden by Champion jockey Andrew Fortune and is trained by leading trainer, Terzi. He jumps from gate 10.
Much will be expected of Lucky Sam who will have Marco Van Renzburg holding the straps.
On odds 20-1, he jumps from stall gate 11.
Fah fee, who ran a fair seventh in the Castle Tankard, has an outside chance.
Randall Simons makes the trip up to ride this individual.
He must have an outside chance but will have to jump from gate 15 on the day.
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