The G1 Gold Challenge is one of the highlights of the season and could be won this year by the much improved QUESTIONING. This 5YO has developed into an athlete who has the "wow" factor every time he steps on to the racecourse and he looks like a horse who nowadays relishes the task before him, despite being a 5YO. He used to be questioned about his stamina limitations, but his short-head second in the G1 L'Ormarins King's Plate proved he is effective at the highest level over a mile. This trip is likely his upper stamina limit, but he is drawn in pole position which will help him reserve energy until the straight.

TIN PAN ALLEY could well be the best miler in the field considering his performance when beating six G1 winners in the G1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m at Turffontein Standside, with his winning margin being 3.75 lengths. He was able to stride comfortably in that race behind a decent pace in a handy position, which did not happen in the WSB Guineas next time out as he was slowly away and then unsettled in the running. He duly failed to find extra right at the end, but if it pans out better for him this time, he has a fine chance, although against him is a wide draw.

SEE IT AGAIN is a top-class horse, whose optimum trip is 2000m, but his effectiveness over a mile was shown in the King's Plate when a flying third, beaten just 0.25 lengths.

LEGAL COUNSEL is the dark horse in the race because his Cape Town Met runner up finish was preceded by a fine effort in the King's Plate if it is taken into consideration that he chased a pace that was way too fast.

EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN is the Equus Horse of The Year and if he has bounced back to his best after an interrupted Cape Summer campaign he can run on to be close over a trip short of his optimum.

1. QUESTIONING
11. TIN PAN ALLEY
7. SEE IT AGAIN
2. LEGAL COUNSEL
9. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN

Photo: Chase Liebenberg