It seems as though the season opener is upon us with lukewarm fanfare from the locals, but that will change come raceday The fan base, which is huge in KZN, will likely turn up in droves at Greyville on Saturday to witness some great horseflesh.

The best 3-year-old in the land is in battle against the older horses in what promises to be a proper pipe opener to Champions Season in KZN. The big race punch will hit home for the punters as the quality of the three big races is something to behold.

The Drill Hall has the 131-rated Main Defender against older horses in it. It's a stacked field for a Gr2 race and arguably the best 1400 race in the land. Interestingly and rather foolishly, there are no Gr1 races at this distance in South Africa. So, this is the test for the top horses who love this distance.

Royal Aussie is no slouch, and neither is Al Muthana on his day, but that day has been few of late. Darryl Daniels is back onboard Waterberry Lane. He won on this horse the last time the Kannemeyer gelding won a race; he was waxing lyrical about the horse post-race. The horse hasn't won since. It may be a good omen to have the comeback jock on board again.

Gimmeanotherchance has been a tad disappointing since his 2yo campaign when he won in style at this course and distance. But hasn't won since. Ironically, he hasn't been far off them either without winning. His heaviest defeats were against three of the best in that 3yo division.

Tony Peter has the Gold Challenge as the main aim for Main Defender, so this pipe opener is just that. However, he will be hard to beat at Greyville.

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