ALL is set for the 52nd running of the 2 000-metre Castle Tankard at Borrowdale Racecourse in Harare this afternoon where 18 horses will battle for the richest event on the Zimbabwe horse racing calendar.
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Of the initial 19 starters, only Disco Al from the South African stable of Joey Ramsden has failed to make it to the final list, but Ramsden will still be represented as he fields Coltrane the overwhelming favourite on the opening of betting.
The Argentina-bred Coltrane, who will be racing at Borrowdale for the first time, was at 5/1 on the first day of betting and is heavily tipped to take the crown that is in the hands of A King Is Born.
Although the horse which is coming from South Africa is one of the top weights at 58,5kg, just behind Madigan on 59kg and Arula Borealis at 60kg, he is well drawn in lane one and should fancy his chances of winning the oldest sponsored horse race in Africa.
Ramsden was not at the final acceptances, but jockeys Lance Pagel, who will be riding Approval Rating and Quinton Riddle, who will be on Lisa Harris’ Arula Borealis as well as local trainer Kirk Swanson admitted Coltrane poses a serious threat to their Castle Tankard title dream.
Swanson was singing the praises of his favourite horse Captain’s Tiger who this time will not be having Sherman Brown but will instead be ridden by Kevin Derere.
Captain’s Tiger, who normally carries 60kg is lucky this time around with a weight of 57,7kg and a draw of five. Swanson also fields Copper Bay, Ernie Or Else and former Triple Crown champion Madigan. But Madigan seems to have lost his way around the Borrowdale racecourse with disappointing performances so far this season.
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However, in races like these anything can happen.
On top of Approval Rating, champion trainer Harris also sends out Menacing who is on 9/2 as well as the other Zimbabwean horse in the field Forty One.
Forty One does not seem to have too many friends as he has been placed at 50/1, but should he hit the tape first, then those backing him will smile all the way to the bank.
The Castle Tankard is sponsored to the tune of $50 000 with the winning horse taking home $30 000.
