Numbers point to See It Again in Champions Cup

Jack Milner

The jockey and horse combination of Piere Strydom and See It Again has been extremely successful and if you are a believer in numerology then the Michael Roberts-trained runner is the horse to be with in the Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Their record reads first in the Cape Derby, second in the WSB Guineas, first in the Daily News 2000, and second in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

That points towards a victory in this race.  

But Strydom does have his reservations. “There are a couple negatives,” he said. “It’s a strong field, he has drawn wide, this will be his fourth run since the start of the season and he’s coming back in trip.

“But we do know he’s a very good horse. I just hope the race pans out well.”

The other concern is the pace. “I mean, what’s going to go. Dave The King is drawn No 1 and he could dictate, but that will be at his own pace.

“The other runners will be coming from behind.”

People who know Strydom well is that he tends to look at the traps rather than the gaps, but we also know that once he is in a race, he knows what he has to do.

And one thing he is NOT going to do is retire after this race. “I have found a good horse and the owner (Nic Jonsson) wants me to stick with him, so why would I stop riding now.

“I am officially not retiring and have renewed my licence for next season.”

In his favour, See It Again is very well handicapped and will meet some of his Durban July opponents on much better terms, with the exception of Trip Of Fortune, who will be 2kg better off. Candice Bass-Robinson’s charge will love the drop in distance and looks the runner to follow See It Again home.

Zapatillas, Al Muthana and mare Princess Calla are other to consider.