Media Release - Gold Challenge

After his smashing victory in the Pinnacle Plate last month, Pocket Power gets his Champions Season under way in earnest at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday, June 13, when he lines up in the R750 000 Gold Challenge (Gr 1).



The country’s undisputed champion will attempt to erase his supporter’s memories of his defeat at the hands of the galloping grey, Dancer’s Daughter, last year.



This WFA event is one of the most important 1600m races on the national calendar and has again attracted a high class field including Our Giant, Buy And Sell, Kapil and the class mare River Jetez.



Trainer Mike Bass ultimately has his aim set on the Vodacom Durban July for his mighty campaigner and just how Pocket Power performs in the Gold Challenge will be watched with more than just passing interest.



Our Giant is the next highest rated horse in the Gold Challenge but met his match in the Pinnacle Plate where Pocket Power simply destroyed him. However, the Charles Laird-trained runner is a top class galloper and with that local run under his girth he could finish a lot closer to his rival this time round.



Buy And Sell upstaged Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter in last season’s Champion Cup and although his current form is a little patchy, the Sean Tarry-trained gelding can be very dangerous if he puts it all together on the day.



River Jetez, like her stable companion and older brother Pocket Power, was also very impressive in her recent win in a Conditions race at Clairwood and there are many pundits who fancy her chances in the Vodacom Durban July. A big showing in the Gold Challenge will give further credence to these views.





Gill Simpkins
Public Relations Manager