Competitive racing action is on the agenda this weekend, as a pair of graded stakes races are on the agenda at Durbanville. High-quality fields will go to post for both the G3 Matchem and G3 Diana Stakes.
You can find out more about both races, as well as our picks for the competitive races here.
Matchem Stakes Overview
The first of the graded stakes races to be staged at Durbanville this weekend comes in the form of the G3 Matchem. This race will be contested over 1,400 meters on the turf, with the current course record held by One World.
Charles Dickens was the winner of the race in 2023, giving Aldo Domeyer and C L Bass-Robinson second straight wins in the race.
Matchem Stakes Field Overview
Gimme A Prince represents the Dean Kannemeyer yard this weekend, as the six-year-old bids to continue his excellent recent form this season.
Craig Zackey takes the ride this weekend, on the runner who was last seen finishing second behind Charles Dickens in this race last year. The long layoff would be a considerable concern.
Questioning ticks plenty of boxes this weekend for the Vaughan Marshall team. The four-year-old has won five from eleven starts, which includes a success on his latest start at Durbanville when setting an official rating of 122. Hugely progressive and should have more to offer.
Matchem Stakes Prediction
Gimme A Prince returns from a long layoff this weekend, and the break is a concern. Therefore, the preference is for Brett Crawford-trained Zapatillas.
The six-year-old has been competitive at the highest level this season, setting a 123 fating when claiming third behind Questioning earlier this month. But, we could see that form being reversed now Zapatillas is back over 1,200 meters.
Pick: Zapatillas to win the Matchem Stakes at BetXchange.
Diana Stakes Overview
The G3 Diana Stakes is also set for this weekend at Durbanville. This race is contested by fillies and mares aged three and older, with a purse of R200,000 up for grabs. A field of ten will go to post. Golden Hostess was the winner of the 2023 renewal for trainer Candice Bass-Robinson.
Diana Stakes Field Overview
A competitive field will go to post for the race this weekend, but bettors will likely be assessing the runners that are rated at 100+ in terms of the most likely winner.
Gold Poker Game will be among those for last year’s winning trainer. She was last in action over the mammoth 2,000 meter trip but finished a very respectable third.
Gimmie’s Countess is one of the interesting three-year-old runners this weekend, having won in maiden stakes company earlier this season. She has also held her own in Group One and Two races since then, and could be a leading contender if getting a clear run on Saturday.
Diana Stakes Prediction
Royals looks a very interesting contender this weekend for trainer Glen Kotzen. The four-year-old filly showed great contention at Durbanville last year, winning over six furlongs, before taking a very creditable third in Grade One company. She makes her long awaited return to action this weekend, but she deserves respect.
