Day 1 of 'The Championships' at Turffontein has placed together a spectacular set of fields in both Colts and Fillies Guineas.

The R1-million TAB Gauteng Guineas, also the first leg of South African Triple Crown, is set to take flight on Saturday, February 1. A robust field of 28 runners has been nominated, promising a clash of talent and strategy over the challenging 1600m course. Among them is the standout filly, Quid Pro Quo, who recently captured attention with her Grade 2 Dingaans victory. The headline news a few weeks ago was the purchase of the filly by Team Valor. 

Her trainer, Barend Botes, does face a strategic decision: tackle the Guineas, where she drew an ideal No. 6 post, or compete in the R750,000 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas, where her draw of 14 may prove less favorable. The later is likely the option anyway no mater where she sit in the lineup when the gates open. 

The stakes are equally high in the colts' division. Among the entries is the Mike de Kock-trained Greaterix, who despite his talent, has drawn a challenging No. 15. Meanwhile, Alec Laird’s Fire Attack landed the coveted No. 1 draw, setting him up as a clear contender. He did look like the better miler of the two after that smart effort behind Greaterix last time out, running on powerfully. 

Sean Tarry’s Cosmic Speed faces an uphill battle from a wide 25, but with Tarry’s expertise, surprises can never be ruled out. And then there’s Kommetjie Storm, a full sister to the famed July winner Kommetdieding. She’s double-entered, with No. 14 in the Guineas and an enviable No. 2 draw in the Fillies Guineas. She will no doubt take advantage of her better draw. 

The Fillies Guineas has drawn 18 contenders, opening the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara series. With just six fillies ever completing this grueling treble, its allure remains a formidable test of stamina and skill. But it’s the overlapping entries, such as Quid Pro Quo and Kommetjie Storm, that add intrigue, forcing connections to weigh their options carefully. Peter's VJ'S Angel is another huge runner after a game effort in the Ipi Tombe Stakes last month when beaten under a length. 

Racing fans should mark their calendars. With final declarations due January 28, 

TAB GAUTENG GUINEAS (Grade 2) (1st Leg SA Triple Crown) R1-million over 1600m.

22 ARISTOTLE (A G Laird) 60.0

11 BACCHUS (F P Habib) 60.0

27 CATS PAJAMAS (F Robinson) 60.0

26 CHESTNUT BOMBER (J J van Vuuren) 60.0

13 CHOISAANADA (E Verdonese) 60.0

2 CONFEDERATE (F P Habib) 60.0

25 COSMIC SPEED (S G Tarry) 60.0

17 COUNT INVICTO (M N Houdalakis) 60.0

10 CYMRIC (J J van Vuuren) 60.0

18 DANTONFROMSANDTON (S G Tarry) 60.0

5 DIWALI ROCKET (L Karriem) 60.0

21 DON’T CRY FOR ME (S G Tarry) 60.0

1 FIRE ATTACK (A G Laird) 60.0

15 GREATERIX (M F De Kock) 60.0

9 GREY JET (W C Marwing) 60.0

7 LEGEND OF ARTHUR (S G Tarry) 60.0

12 MUSICAL SCORE (M N Houdalakis) 60.0

3 PARISIAN WALKWAY (A G Laird) 60.0

4 THE CANE TRAIN (R Klaasen) 60.0

24 THE SPECIALIST (S G Tarry) 60.0

8 WAHEED (M F De Kock) 60.0

16 WILD AT WAR (C Dawson) 60.0

19 BAKWENA (J J van Vuuren) 57.5

23 FROZEN FANTASY (R Klaasen) 57.5

14 KOMMETJIE STORM (A P Peter) 57.5

6 QUID PRO QUO (B D Botes) 57.5

28 SALENIO PENINSULA (J J van Vuuren) 57.5

20 VJ’S ANGEL (A P Peter) 57.5

WILGERBOSDRIFT GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS (Grade 2) (1st Leg Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara) R750,000 over 1600m

10 BAKWENA (J J van Vuuren) 60.0

13 COCOMELON (S G Tarry) 60.0

12 FIERY PEGASUS (J A Soma) 60.0

11 FROZEN FANTASY (R Klaasen) 60.0

2 KOMMETJIE STORM (A P Peter) 60.0

18 MISS LIA (P F Matchett) 60.0

6 OLIVIA’S WAY (R R Magner) 60.0

9 POBLANO (R R Sage) 60.0

14 QUID PRO QUO (B D Botes) 60.0

7 SALENIO PENINSULA (J J van Vuuren) 60.0

8 SONIC JET (C J Lensley) 60.0

3 SPUMANTE DOLCE (M F De Kock) 60.0

4 TOO LATE MY MATE (A G Laird) 60.0

16 VJ’S ANGEL (A P Peter) 60.0

1 VULCANITE (P F Matchett) 60.0

5 WARNING SOUND (S G Tarry) 60.0

17 WILLY MEET AGAIN (M N Houdalakis) 60.0

15 WORLD OF ALICE (S G Tarry) 60.0