Joey Soma will run Sansui Summer Cup winner Wagner in Saturday’s Grade 1 Gold Cup over 3200m at Greyville, despite not being convinced that he will stay the trip, and he gives another of his charges, Athina, a big chance in the Grade 1 Thekwini over 1600m.
Wagner (jockey S’manga Khumalo) springs a surprise in the 2012 Sansui Summer Cup by beating Shogunnar. Wagner is trained by popular Joey Soma and is owned by Ingrid and Markus Jooste. Photo: Phumelela
Wagner was fancied by some as an outsider with a chance in the Vodacom Durban July, due to his light weight, but his race didn’t pan out well.
Soma said, “He was never comfortable as there was something challenging him all the way through. But he came through the race very well. We are still here and he won’t be running for the next two or three months, so we might as well take a chance.
It’s a very open race and I give him a squeak if he stays. He is still getting weight from some that he beat in the Summer Cup.”
Wagner is drawn well in three and his July rider Nooresh Juglall stays aboard.
Athina, a Fort Wood filly, will be ridden by Karl Neisius in the Thekwini from a good draw of six.
“I think she has been very impressive,” said Soma. “She has come through her last two races well, there have been no problems.”
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